DescriptionDescriptionThis beautiful, rare freshwater fish is the only species of grayling found in the western hemisphere. It is endemic to North America and Siberia. The most stable fisheries today exist in Alaska, the Yukon and Northwest Territories of northern Canada. Struggling, "remnant" populations are found in Montana, Wyoming and Utah.
Arctic Grayling are known for their very high, striking dorsal fin, and are sometimes referred to a the "sailfish of the north." They reside primarily in streams, and where indigenous, are often found in abundant numbers.
Arctic Grayling feed on insects and aquatic forms of worms and crustaceans. They move about in schools and are voracious feeders. Surface fishing with small to medium size dry flies can provided rapid-fire action. They hold in many parts of streams, but generally favor specific spots. If not willing to come to the surface, sinking patterns of generic nymphs, and even small streamers also produce repetitive catches.
Downstream or across-and-down presentations are generally most effective. Unlike trout, Grayling tend to drift backwards to take a fly, rather than move upstream. In the cold, pure waters that are their habitat, it is not uncommon to be able to view large numbers of fish holding in deeper runs that are somewhat calmed by large rock deflections. They are not normally "leader shy", nor do they require an overly sophisticated approach or technique to successfully fish them.