Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1940. The dorsal fin is large, dark-gray, blotched with pale spots, with cross-rows of deep blue spots and edged with red or orange. The dorsal fin has 17 to 25 rays. The tail fin is forked. The body has scattered black spots on silver-gray, sometimes pink sides. Scales larger than for trout. Length: 12 to 16 inches. Weight: 6 ounces to over 1 pound. Location and Habitat: Grayling are found in Lee Valley Reservoir and a few small high mountain lakes in the White Mountains. They spend most of the year in the lake then "run" up stream to spawn in the spring. Food: Their main diet is the adult and larvae of aquatic insects. Angling: Grayling are caught on both wet and dry flies. A Royal Coachman or a black or brown Woolly worm often work very well. Table Quality: The meat is white, flaky and good tasting.


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