Species
Arctic Grayling
On record in 14 waters across 2 states
Arctic grayling are unmistakable once you've seen one — a sail-like, oversized dorsal fin unlike anything else in freshwater — and in the Lower 48 they cling to a fraction of their historic range. Montana's Big Hole River holds the last native river-dwelling population outside Alaska, a fish hanging on in roughly 80 miles of water in the upper river.
Arctic Grayling are on record in 14 waters across 2 states, most heavily in Utah and Michigan. FishableWaters tracks every arctic grayling stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.
By state
Most-stocked waters
How to catch them
Grayling readily rise to dry flies and take small nymphs and spinners, making them one of the more approachable fish on a fly rod once you find water that holds them. They prefer clean, cold, moving water and don't tolerate the degraded habitat that's shrunk their range over the past century.
Small dry flies and nymphs are the go-to for fly anglers, while small spinners and spoons work for conventional gear. Grayling aren't picky eaters where they're found — the challenge is finding water that still holds them, not fooling the fish once you do.
Know your fish
The oversized dorsal fin, often fringed in red with iridescent blue, purple, or aqua spots, is the identifying feature and impossible to mistake for anything else. The body itself is silvery-gray with a scattering of small black spots toward the front.
Summer, once high-elevation streams clear from runoff, is the primary window for most grayling water, including Montana's Big Hole. Some lake populations, particularly in Alaska and stocked western lakes, offer a longer season through fall.
Freshest arctic grayling stockings
| Oct 28, 2025 | North Branch Boardman RiverMI | 557 |
| Aug 8, 2025 | North Branch Boardman RiverMI | 1,123 |
| May 27, 2025 | West Branch Maple RiverMI | 9,520 |
| May 20, 2025 | West Branch Maple RiverMI | 28,683 |
| May 12, 2025 | West Branch Maple RiverMI | 18,900 |
Arctic Grayling — FAQ
Where can I catch arctic grayling?+
Arctic Grayling are stocked across 2 states, led by Utah and Michigan. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with arctic grayling.
What's the best bait for arctic grayling?+
Small dry flies and nymphs are the go-to for fly anglers, while small spinners and spoons work for conventional gear. Grayling aren't picky eaters where they're found — the challenge is finding water that still holds them, not fooling the fish once you do.
When is the best time to catch arctic grayling?+
Summer, once high-elevation streams clear from runoff, is the primary window for most grayling water, including Montana's Big Hole. Some lake populations, particularly in Alaska and stocked western lakes, offer a longer season through fall.
How many waters are stocked with arctic grayling?+
14 waters across 2 states hold arctic grayling on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.