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Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling in Wyoming are beautiful freshwater fish distinguished by their large, sail-like dorsal fins with iridescent red, aqua, or purple spots and markings.

Wyoming's grayling are primarily introduced populations found in high-elevation mountain lakes and select reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Thymallus arcticus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Arctic Grayling are distinguished by their large, sail-like dorsal fins with iridescent red, aqua, or purple spots and markings.
  • These colorful markings are most dramatic on larger specimens, and males typically display brighter colors than females.
  • Arctic Grayling typically grow 10-16 inches and weigh 0.5-1.5 pounds, though exceptional individuals can reach 20 inches and 3 pounds.
  • Grayling have small mouths.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Wyoming's grayling are primarily introduced populations found in high-elevation mountain lakes and select reservoirs.
  • In Wyoming's high-elevation lakes, fish along rocky shorelines and near tributary inlets.

Key Locations

  • In Wyoming, they can be found in locations such as the Teton Range lakes (including Toppings Lake), high Uinta Mountains lakes, alpine lakes in central Idaho's Boulder Mountains, and community ponds like those near Pinedale.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas where shallow water drops into deep holes, behind boulders, logs, or other current breaks that create eddies.
  • In Wyoming's high-elevation lakes, fish along rocky shorelines and near tributary inlets.

Arctic Grayling FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small spinners in silver or gold. Grayling have small mouths, so lures should be kept to 1-1.5 inches.

What flies work for Arctic Grayling in Wyoming?

Essential fly patterns include elk hair caddis (#8-14), which is considered one of the most productive dry flies for grayling, along with bloody mosquito, royal coachman, black gnat, bumblebee, hippie stomper, stubby chubby, and small woolly buggers.

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

The best time to fish for Arctic Grayling in Wyoming is from June through September, with peak feeding occurring in August and September when they remain in shallow waters and are most aggressive. Early summer (June) offers excellent dry fly fishing.

How do you catch Arctic Grayling in Wyoming?

Cast upstream at a 45-degree angle across current to achieve natural drift. For subsurface fishing, use strike indicators to control depth - position indicators 1.5 times the water depth above the fly. Move systematically through productive water since they often school.

What do Arctic Grayling eat?

They're omnivorous feeders with their diet varying by life stage - juveniles feed primarily on zooplankton and insect larvae, while adults consume aquatic and terrestrial insects (particularly caddisflies and mayflies), small crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, and occasionally small fish. They're surface-oriented feeders.

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