The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus
Arctic Grayling Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 10–12 in at maturity |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 24 in and 5 lb 1 oz |
| Lifespan | up to 32 years |
| Range | Throughout most of Alaska except Southeast, Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands. |
| Habitat | Cooler upper reaches of river and stream systems as adults; juveniles hold in warmer water lower down. |
| Diet | Drifting aquatic insects — especially black flies, mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies — plus smaller fish and, occasionally, voles and shrews. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Arctic Grayling
- Large sail-like dorsal fin with a scalloped edge — unmistakable
- Dorsal fringed in red and dotted with large iridescent red, aqua or purple spots
- Dark back; sides can be black, silver, gold or blue depending on the stream
- Sides of the body and head freckled with black spots
- A black slash on each side of the lower jaw
Tell it apart: Nothing else in Alaskan fresh water carries that huge sail-like dorsal fin, fringed in red and spotted with iridescent color.
How to Catch Arctic Grayling
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- A Peninsula and Bristol Bay fish — there are no grayling in the Aleutians. Rises freely in the clear tributaries above the silt line all summer; a dry fly or a small spinner drifted through the head of a run is usually enough.GearDry fliesSmall inline spinnersLight fly rod
- The most dependable fish up here; sits in clear tributaries above the silt line and rises to a dry fly or a small spinner drifted through the head of a run.GearDry fliesSmall inline spinnersLight fly rod
When & Where Arctic Grayling Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska — Bristol Bay Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Alaska — Bering Strait & Kotzebue Sound Inshore |
Arctic Grayling Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.