Arctic grayling Native
🔬 Thymallus arcticus
A freshwater fish in the salmon family (Salmonidae). Distinguished by its large, sail-like dorsal fin with iridescent spots. The genus name derives from thyme, as a faint smell of the herb thyme emanates from the flesh. Features a dark midlateral band between pectoral and pelvic fins, with flanks displaying possible pink iridescence. Lifespan of up to 18 years recorded.
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Best season
Summer, early fall
Where to Catch Arctic grayling in Michigan
Arctic grayling Conservation Status
Native Arctic grayling is native to Michigan waters. Extirpated from Michigan by 1936 due to habitat destruction, unregulated logging, and competition from non-native fish. In 2025, reintroduction began with 400,000 eggs planted in coldwater streams. Data sourced from Wikipedia (Thymallus arcticus). CSV flag cleared after manual review.
Arctic grayling Habitat & Behavior
Inhabits cold waters of mid-sized to large rivers and lakes, returning to rocky streams to breed. Three life history forms exist: fluvial (river-dwelling), lacustrine (lake-dwelling), and potamodromous (lake-dwelling, stream-spawning). Omnivorous diet includes crustaceans, insects and insect larvae, and fish eggs. Larger specimens become piscivorous; juveniles feed on zooplankton and insect larvae. DNR records show Arctic grayling present in 27 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Luce, Oakland and Wexford counties.
Best Arctic grayling Techniques
Dry fly fishing, nymphing, small spinners and spoons
Best Arctic grayling Baits
Dry flies, nymphs, small spinners, insect larvae
Michigan DNR Arctic grayling Stocking Records
Arctic grayling Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2025 | North Branch Boardman River | 1,680 total | 3.1"–4.9" | |
| Oct 28, 2025 | stocking event | 557 | 4.9" | |
| Aug 8, 2025 | stocking event | 1,123 | 3.1" | |
| May 27, 2025 | Maple River Ionia County | Ionia | 57,103 total | — |
| May 27, 2025 | stocking event | 9,520 | — | |
| May 20, 2025 | stocking event | 28,683 | — | |
| May 12, 2025 | stocking event | 18,900 | — | |
| Nov 20, 2023 | Jackpine Lake Delta County | Delta | 1,105 total | 9.9"–12.1" |
| Nov 20, 2023 | stocking event | 234 | 12.1" | |
| Nov 20, 2023 | stocking event | 871 | 9.9" | |
| Nov 9, 2023 | Penegor Lake Houghton County | Houghton | 298 total | 9.9"–12.1" |
| Nov 9, 2023 | stocking event | 150 | 9.9" | |
| Nov 9, 2023 | stocking event | 148 | 12.1" | |
| Nov 8, 2023 | West Johns Lake | 198 | 12.1" | |
| Oct 4, 1993 | Bed Spring Lake Marquette County | Marquette | 500 | 11" |
| May 5, 1992 | Kneff Lake Crawford County | Crawford | 500 | 5.2" |
| May 5, 1992 | Deer Lake Oakland County | Oakland | 4,300 total | 3"–5.2" |
| May 5, 1992 | stocking event | 1,000 | 5.2" | |
| Sep 24, 1991 | stocking event | 2,400 | 3" | |
| Sep 19, 1990 | stocking event | 900 | 4" | |
| May 5, 1992 | Sid Lake Luce County | Luce | 4,846 total | 3"–5.8" |
| May 5, 1992 | stocking event | 1,000 | 5.2" | |
| Sep 24, 1991 | stocking event | 2,200 | 3" | |
| Sep 19, 1990 | stocking event | 646 | 4" | |
| May 11, 1988 | stocking event | 1,000 | 5.8" | |
| May 5, 1992 | Sand Lake Schoolcraft County | Schoolcraft | 1,000 | 5.2" |
| May 5, 1992 | Madison Spring | 500 | 5.2" | |
| Sep 24, 1991 | Mulligan Creek | 10,000 | 3" | |
| Sep 10, 1991 | Huron River Baraga County | Baraga | 25,230 | 3.2" |
| Jun 13, 1991 | Fish Lake Lapeer County | Lapeer | 62,160 | 0.6" |
| Sep 18, 1990 | Ackerman Lake Alger County | Alger | 1,400 | 4" |
Showing the 25 most recent stocking events for Arctic grayling, across 15 lakes. Lakes with several events can be expanded.
Arctic grayling DNR Stocking History
Total stocked: 282,185
Stocking events: 57
Peak year: 1991 (101,990)
57
Historical stocking events
27
Lakes stocked
Apr
Next likely stocking window
Peak Stocking Months
Apr
May
Sep
Top Stocked Lakes
Deer Lake
Oakland Co.
Sid Lake
Luce Co.
Manistee River
Wexford Co.
Maple River
Ionia Co.
Au Sable River
Oscoda Co.
Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
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