Alaska Arctic Grayling Fishing Information, Guides

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Preparing for your Alaska Grayling Fishing Experience

Arctic Grayling are native to our remote Alaska river system and are abundant throughout the river. They are highly nomadic and migrate throughout the river system as conditions change throughout the season. We do catch grayling throughout the season, but the density of grayling are highest in the lower river from late May through mid-June, and mid-August into September when water temperatures tend to be cooler and food prevalent. Fly fishermen are very successful fishing dry flies for these aggressive top water feeders. Dozens of fish may be caught daily during peak season averaging 10-16 inches. The upper river grayling fishery is excellent summer-long, a stretch of river we target on our guided 6-day float trips.

Alaska Arctic Grayling Gear

Outfit yourself for your Alaska grayling fishing experience. If you prefer to not bring your own fishing equipment, our lodge provides all you need to be as a complimentary part of our inclusive fishing lodge packages.

Spin fishing tactics for Alaska arctic grayling.

Grayling Spin Fishing

We spin fish for grayling primarily using small, lightweight spinners such as Mepps Aglia, Blue Fox Vibrax and Panther Martin. Bucktail-type spinners are favored as grayling avidly feed on small minnows and insects as their primary diet. We also have much success fishing a nymph fly dropper on a 4 foot leader under a strike indicator much like we do with fly rods. 6 - 6/12 foot ultra-light rods and complimentary reels are ideal set-ups.

Best fly-in fishing for Alaska grayling, float trips

Grayling Fly Fishing

The fun in fly fishing arctic grayling is their receptivity to taking flies on top-water. Dry fly fishing, particularly on float trips and early and late summer at the lodge can be very good and occasionally we catch some very good size fish. Alternatively, grayling eagerly strike a variety of nymphs, small minnow imitations and egg patterns. 5-6 weight rod & reel combinations are a great choice with floating fly lines and 6 pound tapered leader.

Alaska Grayling: Fly Patterns

Dry flies such as the Elk Hair Caddis are preferred and a variety of nymphs, egg patterns and small streamers are effective as well. Streamers are probably the most effective in higher water conditions such as spring time where surface fishing becomes a bit difficult to target fish. Streamers are also effective during spring through mid-June a large amount of salmon smolt migrating downstream provide the main source of forage. Occasionally, grayling will take small mice from the surface, so a fly such as a stimulator pattern is a great choice.

Grayling Peak Fishing Dates

For a breakdown of all peak periods visit our Alaska peak fishing calendar. Grayling are cold-water species and prefer to reside in areas of the river with water temperatures below 60 degrees if possible. Therefore, grayling will migrate throughout the river to find preferred habitat. Near the lodge, grayling are most prevalent in early June and late August through fall. Meanwhile, we find them throughout the upper river on our remote float trips.

Alaska Facts: Arctic Grayling

Did you know that arctic grayling are actually part of the Salmon family, family salmonidae? The Latin name of Arctic Grayling is Thymallus arcticus. Did you know this latin name was given to the grayling because fresh caught fish smell like the herb thyme? Grayling are found mainly in the Pacific tributaries of Northwest Canada, Alaska and Siberia. Arctic Grayling spawn exclusively during spring, and they do not spawn until they reach the ripe old age of 5 years! They spawn in shallow areas of the river that have little current and fine sand or small gravel bottom. The pronounced dorsal fin is used by the male grayling to court a female, much like a Peacock! Fertilized Grayling eggs hatch 2-3 weeks later, so it's a pretty efficient process! Grayling are a "keystone species" meaning their existence indicates that a river or stream has pristine habitat with clear, un-contaminated water. Even a slight contamination of a river due to nitrates, or chemicals results in the demise of grayling populations. Bottom line, where grayling are present, the river ecosystem is in healthful balance!

Alaska Arctic Grayling Fishing