Arctic Grayling
Also known as: American Grayling, Bluefish, Arctic trout, Sailfin or Tittimeg
Beautiful Colour, Flavourful
The Arctic Grayling is a popular catch for fisherman in Manitoba’s North. It is easily recognized by its striking appearance, beautiful colour and known for its flavourful flesh. It grows to a maximum of 30 inches and about 8.4 lbs. It is dark in colour with a dark band between the pectoral and pelvic fins. Flanks may be iridescent pink. You‟ll see two wide vertical bars of a lighter shade along its body.
Grayling are generalists in their food habits. Drifting aquatic insects, especially mayflies, stone flies, and caddis flies are their primary food items. At times Arctic Grayling will gorge upon the eggs of spawning salmon, out-migrating salmon smolts, terrestrial insects that have fallen into the water, or even an occasional vole or shrew.
Fight to the Depth
The Grayling typically fight in the depths rather than leaping from the water. As a sport fish, it is usually taken by trolling with large spoons, plugs or large baitfish.
The Arctic Grayling has been recorded as reaching an age of 18 years.
Clear & Shallow
In Manitoba, the Arctic Grayling inhabits the clear, cold water of northern rivers. It can also be caught in coastal streams and near the shoreline of northern lakes in the Nelson River system. They are usually caught in water no deeper than 3 metres.
Care is required when unhooking a Grayling, which is why barbless trebles are recommended. Use large forceps. Keep them out of water for as little time as possible and give it time to recover before weighing and photographing.
Expert’s Tip: The grayling is a great fighter and jumper; fly-fishing on small ultra gear is used to catch this species. Generalized insect imitations are effective in catching Grayling. However, when feeding on a specific insect, they can be finicky unless you “match the hatch”.
For more great tips on Arctic Grayling fishing in Manitoba, check out our Arctic GraylingTips & Tricks page.
Manitoba Record: Caught on Wolf Lake measured 58.42 cm (23″) and released.
Get the all time records information from our Master Angler records.
