Arctic Char
Salvelinus alpinus
A cold-water char of the far north, the Arctic char is the most northerly-ranging freshwater fish and a prized sport fish of Labrador and northern Newfoundland. Sea-run and landlocked forms occur, with silvery flanks that flush to brilliant orange-red at spawning and pale pink or cream spots.
Deep, cold lakes and clear rivers of Labrador and the Northern Peninsula; anadromous populations run to sea and return to fresh water to spawn and overwinter.
How to Catch Arctic Char
Whether you're new to targeting Arctic Char or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) is typically found in lake water and river water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Arctic Char average around 24 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Arctic Char in the USA & Canada
Arctic Char is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Arctic Char, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Arctic Char Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Arctic Char 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 Char populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Arctic Char
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Arctic Char is recorded:
- Grand Lake (Newfoundland) — Arctic Char fishing water
- Gander Lake — Arctic Char fishing water
- Eagle River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Paradise River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Sand Hill River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Naskaupi River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Osprey Lake — Arctic Char fishing water
- Hornaday River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Husky Lakes — Arctic Char fishing water
- Tree River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Coppermine River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Greiner Lake — Arctic Char fishing water
- Meliadine River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Diana River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Baker Lake — Arctic Char fishing water
- Sylvia Grinnell River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Nettilling Lake — Arctic Char fishing water
- Naknek River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Kvichak River — Arctic Char fishing water
- Alagnak River — Arctic Char fishing water
Arctic Char Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Arctic Char:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Arctic Char?
Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) is typically found in lake water and river water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Arctic Char get?
Mature Arctic Char average around 24 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 Char in the USA and Canada?
Arctic Char is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. 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 Char?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Arctic Char vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.