Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)

Description

Considered to be one of most challenging game fish in Saskatchewan, grayling are found in found in cool, clean, well-oxygenated streams and lakes. They are relatively small, with a maximum weight of about 2.7 kg. The back of the fish is usually dark blue and the sides purplish gray with a golden iridescence. Bluish-black spots appear on the sides of the body, above the lateral line and closer to the front of the fish. Its small head is a blue-bronze with a bright blue marking on each side of the lower jaw. Known as the sailfish of the north, the most distinguishing feature of this fish is the large, sail-like gray dorsal fin. The males possess larger dorsal fin than the females.

Diet

The grayling is mainly insectivorous (feeding on insects) with swimming larvae of some insects making up most of its diet. It can sometimes be seen to leap out of the water after flying insects. Grayling are taken by fly fishing, by spinning with artificial baits, and also by float fishing with natural baits (maggots and small worms).

Reproduction

Grayling reproduce in late May and early June. They spawn in the rapids of northern streams, entering streams to spawn, with the females laying from 2000 to 4000 eggs. These are deposited in chosen spawning beds located in only a few centimeters of water. As the eggs are deposited, the male is with the female depositing sperm, its intensely colored dorsal fin curled over the female. Sand or gravel from the stream soon covers the eggs and the incubation period of two to three weeks begins. The hatchlings lurk among stones, living off their yolk sacs.

Habitat

Arctic grayling can be found from Alaska to Hudson Bay. In Saskatchewan locations include Lake Athabasca, Wollaston Lake, Reindeer River, Cree River, Fond du Lac River and other cool, fast waters north of the Churchill River system.