Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) swim in the cleanest and coldest Northern waters of the world. Nunavut Inuit call them Iqaluk (1 fish) or Iqaluit (many fish).

Wild char are anadromous, or searun, but could also thrive in landlocked lakes. Searun char migrate to the sea to feed on rich foods in the summer and return to the freshwaters to lay their eggs in winter. This migration pattern results in a larger fish with meat that is redder in colour than char from other parts of the world, and a taste that is unarguably superior.

Arctic char belong to the Char group of the salmon family and generally weigh between 6 lbs to 12 lbs as adults. Arctic char are brilliant in colour, sporting shades of luminescent blue and green with large violet-pink spots scattered along their sides. Spawning males are vibrant red.

Fishing for Char

Light- to medium-action spinning and fly rods offer the most excitement. Char will readily take conventional tackle such as spinners, spoons, streamers and dry flies. Lake trolling with a boat is a productive means of working the most water. Most Char will feed in shallower water and not routinely stay in deeper water, as some lake trout populations do. Char ar known to be ferocious fighters, so get into shape before setting out.