Arctic Grayling
Thymallus arcticus
Instantly recognized by its huge, iridescent sail-like dorsal fin, the Arctic grayling is a graceful native of B.C.'s northern rivers. A voracious dry-fly taker in the Omineca, Peace and Skeena, it is managed with tight quotas and catch-and-release rules to protect slow-growing populations.
Cold, clear northern rivers and lakes; schools in current and rises freely to surface insects.
How to Catch Arctic Grayling
Whether you're new to targeting Arctic Grayling or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is typically found in river water and lake water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Arctic Grayling average around 13 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Arctic Grayling in the USA & Canada
Arctic Grayling is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Manitoba, Montana, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Arctic Grayling, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Arctic Grayling Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Arctic Grayling vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Arctic Grayling populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Arctic Grayling
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Arctic Grayling is recorded:
- Williston Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Peace River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Athabasca River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- McLeod River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Pembina River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Smoky River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Wapiti River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Peace River (Alberta) — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Churchill River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Reindeer Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Wollaston Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Cree Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Black Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tazin Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Selwyn Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Fond du Lac River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Nueltin Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Big Kalzas Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Earn Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Finlayson Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Simpson Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Aishihik Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Kluane Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Kusawa Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Lake Laberge — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Marsh Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Frances Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Ethel Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Mayo Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tagish Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Quiet Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Wolf Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Big Salmon Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Atlin Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Rancheria River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Dezadeash Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Braeburn Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Little Atlin Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Wellesley Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Lower Kathleen Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Teslin River at Johnsons Crossing — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- East Aishihik River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Mandanna Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Fox Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Little Salmon Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Fish Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Teslin Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tatlmain Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Klukshu River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tatshenshini River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Klondike River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Takhini River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tatchun River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Frenchman Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Snafu Lakes — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Pine Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Fishing Branch — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Great Slave Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Stark Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Alexie Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Prelude Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Prosperous Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tibbitt Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Baker Creek — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Yellowknife River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Cameron River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Mosquito Creek — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Hay River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Little Buffalo River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Kakisa River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Trout Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Moose River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Cli Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Horn River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Mackenzie River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- La Martre River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Lac Grandin — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Aylmer Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Clinton-Colden Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Artillery Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Mackay Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Point Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Nonacho Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Great Bear Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Colville Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Great Bear River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Travaillant Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Peel River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Arctic Red River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Hornaday River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Husky Lakes — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Coppermine River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Meliadine River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Baker Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Naknek River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Kvichak River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Nushagak River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Alagnak River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Chena River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Tanana River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Delta Clearwater River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Yukon River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Lee Valley Lake — Arctic Grayling fishing water
- Big Hole River — Arctic Grayling fishing water
Arctic Grayling Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Arctic Grayling:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Arctic Grayling?
Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is typically found in river water and lake water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Arctic Grayling get?
Mature Arctic Grayling average around 13 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Arctic Grayling in the USA and Canada?
Arctic Grayling is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Manitoba, Montana, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Arctic Grayling?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Arctic Grayling vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.