Swimming Against Time: Arctic Grayling

Olivia Triltsch • May 29, 2025

History

Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is a fish in the salmon family; however, it is very unique, like others in the family, due to its coloration and fin patterning. This fish species had been previously documented to be range from the Arctic Ocean to rivers and streams in Canada, Montana, and Michigan. The city of Grayling, residing in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is named after this native fish. Historically, the species could be found within rivers of the northern lower peninsula and the Otter River of the upper peninsula, as recognized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Within the Manistee and Au Sable rivers, grayling was considered a common food source, sport fish, and cultural resource. However, numbers began to decline due to factors including habitat destruction, connectivity barriers, over-harvesting, and invasive fish. 


Image: Logging in the Tittabawassee River in the late 1870s, one of the issues negatively impacting stream connectivity for aquatic species. Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Current Status

Arctic grayling have been considered extirpated in Michigan since 1936. Meanwhile, conservation efforts have been working to reintroduce the species with various unsuccessful techniques, leading to rapid emigration, according to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. However, this species is not considered endangered, as its range extends beyond the state of Michigan. Within the lower 48 of the United States, Montana has the only native population remaining within the country, in which the individuals have not been reintroduced, as recognized by the United States Geological Survey.  Legal fishing can take place in other areas where there are remaining established populations, however, they are not legal to possess in Michigan at this time. 

Conservation

In 2016, the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative was established with over 50 partners, including the DNR and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. On Monday, May 12, the next stage of Arctic Grayling reintroduction took place at Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson, Michigan. The Michigan DNR allocated about 400,000 eggs among local Native American tribes to be distributed into the Manistee River, Maple River, and Boardman-Ottaway River. According to the DNR, the eggs will be reared and monitored by partners using streamside incubators to ensure the individuals will imprint on local waters to return for future breeding.  


This fish species prefers cold water within rivers and lakes with minimal turbidity, but individuals migrate upstream for spawning after about 3 years of age. The fish imprint on their birth stream and return to the same area for each migration, making reintroduction efforts more complicated. These water bodies provide critical food, including zooplankton and insect larvae. Once conservation efforts reach the point of established and stable populations, officials may entertain the conversation to add this species to the list of sportfish anglers are allowed to possess. 

Characteristics

This species of salmon is typically about 13 inches with a captivating sail-like dorsal fin highlighted with an iridescent tiger-like striping also found on the pelvic fins. The other fins on the fish are relatively dull and gray. Their scales are iridescent, ranging from red to purple with contrasting black flakes closer toward the head and dorsal fin. The eyes of the fish have gold irises, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. There is also a unique golden line of scales separating the iridescent scales and the white stomach.


In addition to their unique patterning, the species shares the characteristic lateral line system with other fish species. The line runs horizontally from the gill to the tail (caudal) fin. Britannica states this organ allows individuals to sense changes in their surroundings, including pressure changes.


Image: A male (upper) and female (lower) Arctic Grayling collected from Red Rock Creek, Montana. Arctic Grayling in Montana are a State Species of Special Concern. Courtesy of Jim Mogen, USFWS.

Learn More

Conservation efforts are ongoing for many species, however, water quality can play a big factor for aquatic species. To directly contribute in improving water quality, consider joining us at our upcoming Manistee River clean-up in Manistee County. If you are looking to get out and fish, be sure to look at the 2025 Fishing Regulations book before going out. If you do not have a license, a free fishing weekend is set to take place next weekend, June 7th and 8th, in which you can get friends and family out to experience this type of recreation. 

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