Witness the Beauty of the
IRIDESCENT ARCTIC GRAYLING
A Unique Fish with a Fantastic Rainbow of Colors and Equally Spectacular Acrobatics
Witness the Beauty of the
IRIDESCENT ARCTIC GRAYLING
A Unique Fish with a Fantastic Rainbow of Colors and Equally Spectacular Acrobatics
Sailfish of the North
The Arctic Grayling inhabits the clear, cold glacial rivers found throughout Northwestern Canada and Alaska. These spectacular fish have a distinct prismatic iridescence and a large pronounced dorsal fin reminiscent of a tropical fish. Primarily an insectivore, the arctic grayling is the perfect target for the avid fly fisherman. Anglers target these fish using methods similar to those used for brook trout. The Porcupine River flows in and out of Milton Lake at the north end and holds an abundance of these unique sportsfish.
Sailfish of the North
The Arctic Grayling inhabits the clear, cold glacial rivers found throughout Northwestern Canada and Alaska. These spectacular fish have a distinct prismatic iridescence and a large pronounced dorsal fin reminiscent of tropical fish. Anglers target these fish using methods similar to that of brook trout. Primarily an insectivore, the arctic grayling is the perfect target for the avid fly fisherman. The Porcupine River flows in and out of Milton Lake at the north end and holds an abundance of these unique sportsfish.
The Arctic Grayling: A Real Northern Beauty
The rivers surrounding Milton Lake are the perfect habitat for the Arctic Grayling. To target these fish you have to use river angling techniques, either wading, fishing from shore or from a tied off boat. While this is the ideal situation for fly fishing, light spinning gear works just as well. Arctic Grayling are voracious eaters and will readily consume both aquatic and terrestrial insects, as well as smaller fish and even small rodents like voles and shrews! Fly fishing insect imitation dry flies and casting small inline spinners or spoons with light spinning gear are the best methods to target these fish. The recent purchase of the Air Ranger 45 hovercraft will allow guests of Milton Lake Lodge to fish the Porcupine River from Milton Lake all the way to Walker Lake [and beyond!]. That adds many new miles of river, much of which has never seen a single angler! The current IGFA world record Arctic Grayling is 5lbs 15oz. and was caught in neighboring Northwest Territories. At Milton Lake Lodge you can expect to regularly catch fish in the 1 to 2 lb. class, with numerous fish over 3 lbs taken each season. Landing a 4 lb+ fish is a real trophy and accomplished by several anglers every year.
Check out this feature article on Fly Fishing for Arctic Grayling at Milton Lake Lodge by the New Fly Fisher!
Arctic Grayling Tackle Tips
Casting Inline Spinners, Spoons & Jigs
- Mepps Aglia #00,#0
- Yakima Rooster Tail 1/16 oz.
- Panther Martin 1/16 oz.
- EGB Spinners #T1
- Mepps Little Wolf 1/8 oz.
- Acme Little Cleo 1/16 & 1/8 oz.
- EGB Spoons #0, #1
- Len Thompson Original No. 6
- Jig with 1″ micro-tube
Fly Patterns
- Adams, Aphid F Fly, Baetis Nymph, Bradshaw’s Fancy, Elk Hair Caddis, CDC & Elk, Copperhead Nymph, F&K Caddis, Hare’s Ear Nymph, Humpy, Kamenice Klinky, Klinkhamer Special, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Prince Nymph, Racklehanen, Red Tag Palmer, Royal Wulff, Grannom, Treacle Parkin, Tup’s Indespensable, Worm