Arctic Grayling In Colorado

The Arctic Grayling, scientifically known as Thymallus arcticus, is a unique coldwater fish species that thrives in very specific and often extreme environments. Native to the northern reaches of North America, these fish are rarely found in the lower 48 states of the U.S., making their presence in this region particularly special. Within the lower 48, they are found in a few select lakes and rivers, with notable populations.

At a staggering 10,158 feet above sea level and located in north-central Colorado, the stunning lake known as Joe Wright is one of the very few places that has naturally reproducing Arctic Grayling. Grayling were first introduced to Colorado in the late 1890s, but it took several decades of fish management and perseverance before they became self-sustaining in the mid-1960s. The high elevation and dramatic cold climate have made Joe Wright Reservoir an ideal place for Grayling. Although they haven’t been in the reservoir for very long, they have absolutely flourished, resulting in an abundant Grayling population.