Known as the sailfish of the north, grayling are the most elegant and unusual of the trout species.
Cousin to the whitefish, part char and part trout grayling have taken body art to ridiculous heights. From their sailfish-like dorsal fin with its red purple and orange spots to their gray black sides that flow with moving iridescent color like the northern lights flow across the winter skies, grayling not only look different than any fish in our rivers– they are fabled to smell different as well. Thymallus arcticus (the Latin name for grayling) are thought by some to smell of the herb thyme even before they hit the frying pan.
Grayling only inhabit the most pristine waters of the world. They only survive in waters free of pollutants and disease and the Kanektok and Arolik pass their high residency standards. Grayling are small by comparison to the other fish that call our waters home. A trophy is any fish over 3 pounds or 19 inches. Though grayling are not the most prolific fish in either the Kanektok or the Arolik Rivers, we are lucky to catch several grayling a year that qualify for a trophy certificate.
Our grayling are not picky eaters – they will eat most any lure or fly presented to them. We have even caught grayling on mice, which lends credence to the giant grayling phenomenon that we enjoy.
Fly Tackle for Grayling
Rods
Here’s your chance to use that 3 weight! 3 to 5 weight soft to medium to fast action.
Reels
Quality reels that match rod. Light drag is fine.
Lines
Floating lines.
Leaders
Longer leaders up to 12 feet. 10 pound butt section with a 6 to 8 pound tippet.