Arctic Char Salvelinus alpinus

Quickest tell: Fewer and larger spots, a narrow caudal peduncle and a deeply forked tail mark an Arctic char; a spawning male also carries a much smaller kype than a Dolly Varden's.

• Light spots on a dark background
• Sparse pink to red spots on the back and sides, 15–20 below the lateral line, each LARGER than the pupil
• Slim caudal peduncle and a noticeably forked tail
• Leading edge of the lower fins is typically white
• Spawning fish are usually gold, orange, yellow or rose, and only rarely red

Full Arctic Char guide — season, gear and rules →

Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma

Typical: 12–24 in

Quickest tell: Spots smaller than the eye's pupil, a thick caudal peduncle and a barely forked tail separate a Dolly Varden from an Arctic char, which has fewer and larger spots on a slimmer peduncle behind a deeply forked tail.

• Light-colored spots on a darker greenish body — the inverse of a trout
• Many small spots, each SMALLER than the pupil of the eye
• Relatively thick caudal peduncle and only a slightly forked tail
• Spawning males develop a distinct kype, red-black-and-white bellies, black gill covers and bright orange to red spots

Full Dolly Varden guide — season, gear and rules →