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Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling are truly unique Montana fish, distinguished by their large, sail-like dorsal fin dotted with iridescent red, aqua, or purple spots and fringed with red. These beautiful fish have pewter-scaled flanks.

Scientific Name: Thymallus arcticus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Can reach up to 20 inches and 3 pounds in Montana, though most are smaller.
  • Distinguished by their large, sail-like dorsal fin dotted with iridescent red, aqua, or purple spots and fringed with red.
  • These beautiful fish have pewter-scaled flanks.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Originally widespread throughout the upper Missouri River drainage above Great Falls, fluvial (river-dwelling) Arctic Grayling now exist in only a few locations.
  • Lake-dwelling (adfluvial) Arctic Grayling are more common, found in 30+ mountain lakes across western Montana.
  • These populations are genetically distinct from their northern relatives.

Key Locations

  • Target the Big Hole River around Wisdom for the native fluvial population.
  • Lake fishing is productive in the Red Rock Lakes, Centennial Valley lakes, and the 30+ mountain lakes with introduced populations across western Montana.
  • Specific locations include Big Hole River, Upper Ruby River near Alder, Red Rock Lakes, Centennial Lakes, Pintler Lake, Elk Lake, and various introduced populations in lakes like Mussigbrod, Grayling, and Twin Lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on even-paced pools and areas with gravel bottoms rather than fast, turbulent water.
  • In lakes, focus on inlet and outlet areas, and around submerged logs later in summer.

Arctic Grayling FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Arctic Grayling in Montana?

Small spoons and spinners in the 1-1.5 inch range. Panther Martin spinners are particularly effective.

What flies work for Arctic Grayling in Montana?

Dr.y flies like Elk Hair Caddis, Adams Parachute, Black Gnat, and Royal Wulff in sizes 14-16. Wet flies and nymphs work well too, particularly Hare's Ear Beadhead, RS-2 Emerger, and Bread and Butter Caddis Emerger patterns.

When is the best time to fish for Arctic Grayling in Montana?

The best fishing for Arctic Grayling in Montana occurs from late spring through early fall, avoiding the spawning period in late spring/early summer. Fall migration periods at stream mouths near large lakes can provide excellent fishing opportunities when grayling school up before winter.

How do you catch Arctic Grayling in Montana?

Cast upstream and across at a 45-degree angle for natural presentation. Grayling often rise to take flies but actually grab them on the way down, so don't strike immediately when you see the rise.

What do Arctic Grayling eat?

Arctic Grayling are generalist feeders, with river populations primarily eating aquatic insects like mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis flies, while lake populations also consume zooplankton.

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