Grayling (Arctic)
Grayling have an iridescent appearance. Their dorsal fin is dusky brown to dark gray with rows of red, purple or bluish spots, and sail-like in shape. Dark back. Grayish silver sides with dark spots. Pink to orange stripes mark the pelvic fins.
About This Species
These arctic imports provide some additional excitement to mountainous lakes. A large sail-like dorsal fin extending over their silver bodies make them easy to identify. Grayling have extremely small mouths and can usually only be caught on small flies or lures. Even though grayling are relatively small in stature (usually less then 12 inches), they can be a nice challenge to anglers, not to mention a great photo opportunity.
The arctic grayling spawn at Joe Wright Reservoir
video: The arctic grayling spawn at Joe Wright Reservoir
Aquatic biologist Kyle Battige walks us through the process of spawning arctic grayling in Colorado. The northeast aquatics team spawned and fertilized 140,000 eggs on this June 2021 day to send off to the Glenwood Springs (100,000 eggs) and Mt. Shavano (40,000 eggs) state fish hatcheries. Battige also discusses the fish management in Joe Wright Reservoir near Cameron Pass in north-central Colorado.