Arctic Grayling are so popular in Alaska that anglers may as well consider them synonymous with the state. Fly fishermen the world over flock to the cold, clear waters of the Last Frontier’s backcountry to pursue these fish. They aren’t just fun to hook, but they’re also full of nutritional value and easy to cook, whether you bring them back to your kitchen or fry them over a campfire. Needless to say, Grayling fishing is an experience beyond simply casting your line in the water.
Despite their prestige, these dazzling fish aren’t usually picky eaters and they’re known to gobble up almost any fly. So, even if you’re totally new to fly fishing, don’t shy away from the challenge. With the help of a local guide, you could unlock a new passion!
But there’s more to it than that—and that’s why we’re here today. Stay with us and we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of Grayling fishing. From identifying this species to spots, techniques, and more… By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be an expert. Well, of the theory, at least! Let’s dive in.
How to Identify Arctic Grayling
There are six species of Grayling worldwide but Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is the sole species in North America. These creatures inhabit mainly freshwater habitats from Russia to the Hudson Bay in Canada. They’re especially popular in Alaska, where their range encompasses almost the entire state. Thanks to a variety of stocked lakes, these fish also show up in Utah, Idaho, California, and even Arizona.
Grayling belong to the same family of fish as Salmon and Trout, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find them in many of the same waters! All these species look rather similar, however, Arctic Grayling stand out from the crowd thanks to the large dorsal fin that looks like a sail on their backs. These sails are usually fringed in crimson and adorned with iridescent spots that appear red, blue, or purple. Similar to the feathers on a peacock, this lends the fish a special appeal.
Their colors vary from stream to stream, but large Grayling typically boast the most dramatic hues, which range from black or blue to gold and silver. Additional clues to look for include large, dark freckles on each side of the fish, usually around their heads. Needless to say, this is one attractive fish!
Arctic Grayling typically measure 10–24 inches long and weigh between 3–8 pounds. However, the IGFA all-tackle record for this species is bang in the middle at 5 pounds, 15 ounces.
Best Grayling Fishing Spots
In order to pursue Arctic Grayling, you’ll have to fish some of the most pristine wilderness in North America. We’re talking mountain trails and gin-clear waters, some of them so far from civilization that you’ll have to make your way by plane!
But that doesn’t mean good Grayling fishing is hard to reach. In fact, some of the best lakes and streams in Alaska cut right across local highways. Just set your GPS and bring a sense of adventure. Let’s take a closer look at some of the prime Grayling fishing locations…
Symphony Lake
If you’re planning a road trip through Alaska, use the opportunity to stretch your legs with a hike up to Symphony Lake. You’ll find the trailhead about 30 minutes northeast of Anchorage, which leads you on a 5-mile hike surrounded by peaks of 3,000–4,000 feet. At the end, your reward is a glistening, emerald lake that boasts plenty of Grayling in the 14–18 inch range.
The fishing season here opens mid-summer. Despite this, you should still be sure to wear appropriate footwear and dress for dramatic, high-country weather changes. For an overnight stay, easy water access, and plenty of ways to enjoy the wilderness beyond fishing, reserve a lakeside cabin.
Anchorage
Not up for a big hike? No problem. You’ll find plenty of Grayling streams along the Parks and Glenn Highways north of Anchorage. There’s no single go-to spot here, just keep your eyes peeled for any stream that crosses your path. When taking the Parks Highway, you can expect good fishing at Willow Creek (about 90 minutes north of Anchorage). Meanwhile, on the Glenn Highway, you can try your luck in any of the lakes between Mile 86 and Glennallen.
There’s more roadside fishing along the Denali Highway, where the road is met with as many as seven productive streams. More specifically, you can enjoy great Grayling fishing in the Tangle Lakes and the Tangle River that connects them. Note that this area has been heavily fished and you aren’t likely to land a trophy here. However, it’s still a great opportunity for any fly fishermen passing through.
Fairbanks
If Anchorage is the first major hub of Alaska’s Grayling fishing, then Fairbanks isn’t far behind. The Alaska Highway running southeast of Fairbanks will bring you to the Chena River, Piledriver Slough, Salcha River, and Birch Lake. Meanwhile, heading northeast leads to the Chatanika River, Faith Creek, Birch Creek, and many other streams and lakes where you can fish for Grayling.
The Chena River in particular is a name you’ll hear time and again. Its calm, slow-moving current runs right through downtown Fairbanks. Head to the upper part of the river, where Chena Hot Springs Road offers 40–50 miles of Grayling fishing. Come fall, the Angel Rocks area further north becomes a hot spot. Look for several bends in the river just upstream from the parking area at mile 48.9 of Chena Hot Spring Road.
Note that fishing in the Chena River is strictly catch-and-release.
Nome
If you’re looking to turn your road trip through Alaska into a true adventure, try roadside fishing in Nome. This part of the state is known for trophy-sized Grayling (often around 17 inches) and there are plenty of waters within reach.
That said, getting to Nome itself will feel like retreating to the edge of the world—which you pretty much will be! Here, the roads are open only seasonally and may not be passable until as late as July. Tread carefully, as you’ll be surrounded by privately held land that belongs to the Sitnasuak Native Corporation and the Alaska Gold Company, among other mining corporations. The water, rivers, and floodplains are owned by the State of Alaska, and these areas are open for public use.
Sportfishing in Nome is open year-round, barring any changes to regulations.
Big Sand Lake, Manitoba
If you’re ready to really get off the beaten path, consider a fly-in fishing destination like Big Sand Lake in northern Manitoba. A remote experience like this will take your Grayling fishing trip to the next level and make it feel truly once-in-a-lifetime (though, it doesn’t have to be). The area’s fast-flowing rivers and rich ecosystem allow local fish to thrive, so it’s no surprise that Manitoba’s record Grayling of 23 inches was caught not far from here.
Grayling fishing in Manitoba is popular during the open-water season from May through September. There’s a local fishing lodge where you can make the most of your stay and have access to professional guides.
How to Fish for Arctic Grayling
These nimble fish make for excellent light tackle fishing. However, there’s arguably no better way to catch a Grayling than fly fishing. This is largely due to their insect-based diet—but they do occasionally eat smaller fish and even rodents. In any case, it’s also really fun!
While fly fishing requires a lot of finesse, novices shouldn’t shy away from it. Grayling will readily take your fly and they aren’t very hard-fighting, which makes them a great target for first-time fly fishers.
You may find Arctic Grayling passing through small streams when they spawn in the spring, but they won’t be there for long, so it’s usually worthwhile to seek out larger rivers or lakes. They often sit suspended in fast-moving eddies where the depth changes abruptly, so look for them in areas where shallow water gives way to a deep hole. Any structure that breaks the river current such as logs or fallen branches and boulders will also create eddies these fish enjoy. Grayling gather in groups, so when you find a hotspot, you’re likely to get bite after bite after bite.
Casting correctly comes down to practice and some personal preference. In order to drift your fly right over the Grayling, you can cast from the side as many anglers do. Or you can try aiming 45 degrees across the current upstream.
Grayling Gear and Bait
Whether spinning or fly fishing for Grayling, you can make use of a fairly simple setup and many different baits or lures:
Light Tackle
If you’re targeting Grayling on light tackle, bring a light or ultralight action spinning rod. A monofilament line will give you the amount of stretch that you want, and there’s usually no reason to go above a 6 lb test.
These fish have small, soft mouths so plan to use small spoons, jigs, or spinners between sizes 0–2. Mealworms and salmon eggs make for good Grayling bait if you prefer to go that route.
There’s no need to get fancy with your technique in this case, a well-placed bait or lure and a steady retrieve should work just fine.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishers often bring a 5–6 wt rod for Grayling, which is versatile enough to help you catch several species swimming in the same waters. But for Grayling specifically, you may find that a lighter 3–4 wt rod handles this fish better. Choose one in the 10-foot range for effortless roll casts and a natural drift to follow.
You’ll want to use a weight-forward floating line, usually with a 9′ leader and a 4–5X tippet at the end of it. Hooks in sizes 8–14 are appropriate.
Now comes the fun part: fly selection. There’s pretty much an endless list of flies that Grayling go for, both wet and dry. This is what makes them so popular to target for pros and beginners alike!
A Tan elk hair caddis is the most popular choice. Other great fly patterns for Grayling include bloody mosquitos, mayflies, black gnats, bumblebees, and the Royal Coachman. During the Salmon spawning season, you can catch Grayling on salmon-egg fly patterns like Iliamna pinkies. In fall, when the Salmon have washed up on shore in some rivers, maggot imitations work well.
And that’s not to mention wet flies, which will help you target any Grayling waiting to take a bite below the surface. Minnow streamers and a variety of nymph patterns work well, such as the hare’s ear, Zug bug, and Bitch Creek. Light tackle anglers using spinning gear can also fish bead-head varieties of these nymphs under a bobber.
When to Catch Arctic Grayling
You can enjoy fishing for Grayling any time the waters that hold them aren’t covered in ice. That usually gives you five months from May through September. These fish spawn in spring and then travel to summer feeding grounds which may be many miles away. It pays off to fish with a friend or guide who knows the local waters and Grayling habits, because they’ll know when and where to locate the biggest of them.
In winter, Grayling seek out deep holes and are able to essentially hibernate in glacial waters with very little oxygen. Not only does this make them less accessible to anglers, but they’re also less interested in feeding, so it’s rare to catch a Grayling in winter.
For local fishing seasons as well as size and possession limits, check the latest updates from Alaska’s Fish and Game department.
Grayling Fishing: Remote but Rockin’
Few species will lead you as far afield as Arctic Grayling, but it’s well worth the trek. After all, these are stunning fish to behold and you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous views to match. Their home waters weave through snow-capped mountains, untouched forests, and frozen tundra, often in the company of other Alaskan wildlife you don’t want to miss. For anglers, there may be no better way to explore the backcountry than this!
So start charting your great Alaskan adventure and don’t forget to set your course through some of the state’s best Grayling waters!
Have you ever been Grayling fishing? Where’s your go-to spot? Was it tricky to get there? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below!
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