FISH: SALMON AND TROUT

European Grayling, Thymallus thymallus

Family Salmonidae (Salmon and Trout)

Size: Up to 20"

Range: Mountainous Colorado

Habitat: Cool mountain lakes and reservoirs

Native to arctic regions and northern Europe, the distinctive grayling is a small member of the salmon family (usually less than 12" long) that can be found in cold mountain lakes and streams. It is quite unusual, with its slender body, small mouth, forked tail, and oversize, striped dorsal fin, which resembles a tall sail. The color is silvery overall, often with a blue-green or brownish tint (darkest on the back), rows of pale stripes along the sides, and sparse black spots that are most prominent on the front half of the body. Grayling feed on just about any food source they can swallow, including plants, insects, larvae, and crustaceans. It is a tasty game fish best attracted by small flies.