Ecology of Arctic Grayling

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 Arctic Grayling are vital to the ecology of cold-water ecosystems, playing key roles as both predator and prey. They are considered an indicator species, thriving in clean and cold waters, which makes their presence a sign of a healthy environment. Their ability to adapt to harsh, cold environments allows them to inhabit remote rivers and alpine lakes, and their spawning habits depend on specific water conditions, underscoring the need for healthy, intact ecosystems. 

In Denali, much of the grayling call the Nenana River home in the winter. When the waters begin to rise, and insects begin to disappear, grayling make their trek from clear water creeks, to the silty Nenana to overwinter. Throughout the winter, covered by a thick layer of ice, Arctic Grayling essentially go dormant. Feeding minimally and existing in low-oxygenated water. Once break-up occurs in the spring, grayling shoot up the rivers--often back to the same clear water they have spawned and fed  in to continue the life cycle. During the ice-free periods, Arctic Grayling feed on almost anything that moves. This includes aquatic insects such as black flies, mayflies, stone flies, and caddis flies.

Grayling have been documented to live up to 32 years old. Given this information, many fish we catch are older than 10 years old--some returning to the same waters year after year.