Anna Daly writes: Idaho’s lakes and rivers provide many opportunities for anglers looking to hook something special.

Whether it’s a type of trout or salmon, all have their own unique colors and markings.

However, there is one fish swimming in Idaho’s high-mountain lakes whose beauty stands out from the rest: the Arctic Grayling.

Its sail-like fin that fans out across its back and its vibrant markings make this fish truly a striking catch.

The Arctic Grayling – which is a type of trout – is not native to the state and is a rare find in most places in Idaho. However, they are stocked in several backcountry mountain lakes.

They don’t get very big in Idaho’s cold lakes with the last record fish caught measuring 16.2 inches. According to Idaho Fish and Game, anything over 12 inches is considered a big Arctic Grayling.

To see when and where Idaho Fish and Game has stocked the Arctic Grayling, head to the Idaho Fishing Planner.

In 2020 BCHI assisted Fish & Game in stocking one lake on the western side of the Frank Church