Grayling: description, species, lifestyle, habitat, reproduction and fishing

Show Contents

Grayling: Description, Species, Lifestyle, Habitat, Reproduction, and Fishing. Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is one of the most beautiful and coveted freshwater salmonids. It is a true symbol of clean mountain and northern rivers. Grayling is known by many local names: verkhoplavka, redfin whitefish, Siberian grayling, European grayling, and colloquially simply "kharyuz" or "kharyuzok." Its meat is white and tender, with a subtle cucumber aroma and a slight bitterness, and its large caviar is highly prized. Grayling is a classic trophy for spinning and fly fishermen, and catching it is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and challenging freshwater fishing methods.

Grayling is a member of the salmon family of fish.

Grayling is a prominent member of the salmon family, subfamily Thymallinae. It is a purely freshwater fish, never entering the sea and spending its entire life in clean, cold rivers and lakes. Grayling is one of the most sensitive species to water quality: it requires crystal clear, oxygenated water and does not tolerate even minor pollution or siltation. Therefore, its presence in a river is a reliable indicator of the ecological integrity of the body of water.

Origin of the species and description

Grayling is one of the oldest freshwater salmonids. Its ancestors evolved in glacial lakes during the Pleistocene and adapted to life in cold, fast-flowing rivers and lakes. Today, several subspecies and forms are recognized:

The European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is the main species in Europe and western Siberia
The Siberian grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is the largest and most widespread in Asia.
The Baikal grayling (Thymallus baicalensis) is endemic to Lake Baikal.
Alaskan grayling (Thymallus signifer) is a North American subspecies
Mongolian grayling (Thymallus brevipinnis) is a small, high-mountain species

The grayling's body is elongated, torpedo-shaped, and laterally compressed. The head is small, with a small, dorsal mouth. Its most striking feature is the enormous, sail-like dorsal fin with reddish-purple spots and stripes. The scales are small and silvery. The back is dark gray or olive-green, the sides are silvery with a purple or golden sheen, and the belly is white. Along the sides are a row of large black spots, sometimes with a reddish halo. The fins are gray or purple, with the pectoral and pelvic fins having a reddish tint.

Grayling is one of the most abundant and largest salmon species on the Putorana Plateau. In the plateau's rivers and lakes (Yerachimo, Tutonchana, Severnaya, Sukhaya Tunguska, Nimde, Agata, Musima, Anadyakan, and lakes Lama, Keta, Khantayskoye, Sobachye, and Ayan), grayling reach remarkable sizes thanks to the icy-clear water, extremely high oxygen levels, pebble bottoms, and abundant natural food. Specimens of 40–60 cm and 1.5–3 kg are common here, and trophies over 70 cm and 3–4 kg are not uncommon.

Grayling size

The average size of grayling depends greatly on the region and habitat conditions:

European grayling: 25–40 cm, weight 0.3–1 kg
Siberian grayling: 35–50 cm, weight 0.8–2 kg
Baikal grayling: 40–55 cm, weight 1–2.5 kg

Maximum dimensions:

Length: up to 70–80 cm (rarely up to 90 cm)
Weight: up to 3–4 kg (in some reservoirs up to 5–6 kg)
Life expectancy: 10–15 years, sometimes up to 18–20 years

The largest graylings are caught in the northern rivers of Siberia, on the Putorana Plateau, in Lake Baikal, and in the mountain rivers of the Altai and Sayan Mountains. Graylings grow slowly: by age 5, they reach 30–40 cm and 0.5–1 kg, and by age 10, 50–60 cm and 1.5–2.5 kg.

Grayling spawning

Grayling (Thymallus thymallus and its subspecies) is one of the most beautiful and distinctive freshwater fishes of northern and mountain rivers. Its spawning is a spectacular but highly vulnerable event, which is highly dependent on the reservoir's condition, water purity, and hydrological stability. Grayling spawns once a year, in spring or early summer, and, unlike Pacific salmon, does not die after spawning. Graylings are capable of reproducing multiple times—up to 8–10 times in their lifetime.

When does grayling spawn?

Grayling spawning always occurs in spring–early summer, when the water warms up to a certain temperature and the river level stabilizes after the flood.

Key deadlines:

Southern regions (Europe, southern Western Siberia, Altai, Sayan): late April – May
Central Siberia and the Urals: May – early June
Northern regions (Yamal, Taimyr, Putorana Plateau, Yakutia, Chukotka): end of May - July
Mountain rivers at an altitude of 1500–2500 m: June – July

Key conditions for the start of spawning:

Water temperature: 6–12 °C (optimally 8–10 °C)
The water is clean, clear, and highly oxygenated.
The water level is stable or slightly decreasing after the peak of the flood
Absence of sudden frosts and floods

If the water temperature remains below 6°C for a long time or a strong flood begins, spawning may be delayed by 1–3 weeks.

Where does grayling spawn?

Grayling prefer shallow, fast-flowing waters with clean pebble, gravel, or coarse sand bottoms for spawning. Depth ranges from 20 to 80 cm, rarely reaching 1 m.

Typical places:

Riffles and rapids with moderate current
Areas with pebble spits and shallows
Shallow reaches below the riffles
Areas with reverse currents and eddies
Tributaries and streams with clean pebble bottoms

Grayling avoid silted areas, quiet backwaters, deep pools, and areas heavily overgrown with algae. They prefer areas where the current constantly washes the eggs, ensuring a high survival rate.

On the Putorana Plateau, grayling spawn in the upper reaches of rivers, in riffles and shallow reaches of tributaries of large lakes. The spawning grounds are typically 30–70 cm deep, with clean gravel or crushed rock bottoms. Due to the lack of pollution, strong currents, and high oxygen levels, the egg survival rate here reaches 30–50%, one of the highest rates for grayling.

How does grayling spawn?

Grayling spawning is a gregarious and highly spectacular process. The fish gather in schools of 20–100 or more individuals. Males predominate.

Main stages:

Grayling begin congregating in the riffles one to two weeks before spawning. The fish migrate upstream, often covering 10 to 50 km.
Preparing the nest The female selects a site and digs a small depression (nest) with her tail, 5–15 cm deep and 30–60 cm in diameter. The soil is scattered downstream.
Egg-laying: The female lies on the nest, trembles, and spawns a batch of eggs (500–2,000 at a time). The eggs are large (3–4 mm), light yellow, heavy, and sink immediately to the bottom.
Fertilization: A male (or several males) settles down nearby and releases milt simultaneously with the spawning of eggs. Fertilization is external and occurs instantly.
Nest filling: After fertilization, the female covers the eggs with sediment by slapping her tail on the bottom. She then moves to a new nest upstream and repeats the cycle.

During a season, a female makes 3-10 approaches and lays an average of 3,000-15,000 eggs (larger females can lay up to 20,000-25,000). Males actively guard the nests from competitors and predators.

Graylings do not die after spawning. Most survive and return to their feeding grounds to recuperate. This allows graylings to spawn multiple times—up to 8–10 times in their lifetime.

Development of eggs and fry

Grayling eggs develop over 2–4 weeks (depending on water temperature). The fry hatch in June–July, initially feeding on the remains of their yolk sacs, then switching to zooplankton and small crustaceans.

Grayling juveniles are very vulnerable during their first 1–2 years. Survival depends on water purity, the availability of shelter, and the abundance of food. Under ideal conditions (as on the Putorana Plateau), the survival rate of eggs and juveniles can reach 40–60%, which is very high for salmonids.

Conclusion on grayling spawning

Grayling spawning is a spectacular yet highly vulnerable event, occurring in pristine mountain and northern rivers at low water temperatures. Thanks to multiple spawnings, a long lifespan, and the ability to survive after spawning, grayling maintain stable populations even under moderate fishing pressure.

On the Putorana Plateau, grayling spawn in June and July in the riffles and shallow reaches of tributaries to large lakes. Here, they don't form large aggregations, as in rivers further south, but the spawning conditions (icy, clear water, a pebble bottom, and high oxygen levels) are ideal, and the survival rate of eggs and juveniles here is among the highest in the world. It is precisely these pristine bodies of water that allow grayling to live for 15–20 years and reach their maximum size—60–80 cm and 3–4 kg.

Grayling habitats

Grayling lives in clean, cold rivers and lakes in Europe, Siberia, the Far East, Mongolia, and North America:

Rivers of the Baltic, White, and Barents Sea basins
Rivers of Siberia: Ob, Yenisei, Lena, Kolyma, Indigirka, Yana
Lake Baikal and its tributaries
Altai and Sayan rivers, Putorana plateau
Mountain rivers of the Caucasus and Carpathians

Grayling requires clean water with a temperature of 4–18°C, high oxygen content, and a pebble bottom. It does not tolerate pollution or siltation.

On the Putorana Plateau, grayling is one of the most abundant and largest salmon species. In the plateau's rivers and lakes (Yerachimo, Tutonchana, Severnaya, Sukhaya Tunguska, Nimde, Agata, Musima, Anadyakan, and lakes Lama, Keta, Khantayskoye, Sobachye, and Ayan), grayling thrives in ideal conditions: icy, clear water, high oxygen levels, a pebble bottom, strong currents, and abundant food. Here, they reach their maximum size and population density.

Lifestyle of grayling

Grayling is one of the most beautiful and distinctive freshwater fishes of northern and mountain rivers. It is a typical inhabitant of clear, cold, oxygenated waters with fast currents. Grayling is diurnal, extremely cautious, selective in its feeding, and exhibits pronounced territorial behavior. It occupies one of the highest levels of the river food chain, yet remains quite vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts.

Grayling nutrition

Graylings are benthic predators with a distinct diurnal feeding rhythm. Their diet varies greatly depending on their age, size, and season.

Young people (up to 2–3 years old):

zooplankton (daphnia, cyclops, bosmins)
small larvae of mosquitoes and chironomids
small crustaceans (amphipods, gammarus)
terrestrial insects falling on water

Adults (3-4 years and older):

flying insects (mayflies, stoneflies, caddis flies, mosquitoes, midges, horseflies) are the basis of the diet in summer
aquatic insect larvae (caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, chironomids) are the basis of the diet all year round
small fish (minnow, gudgeon, young grayling, whitefish, lenok ) - in large specimens
crustaceans (amphipods, mysids)
mollusks and worms
eggs of other fish species (especially during mass spawning)

Grayling feed almost exclusively during the day, being especially active in the morning (from dawn until 10:00–11:00 AM) and evening (from 5:00–6:00 PM until sunset). The bite usually wanes at midday. In summer, grayling often rise to the surface and collect insects from the water—this is their signature feeding method. In autumn and winter, they switch to bottom feeding on larvae and small fish.

On the Putorana Plateau, grayling feed primarily on insect larvae (caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies), fallen insects, and small fish (juvenile char, lenok, and whitefish). Thanks to the numerous clear riffles, the abundance of insects and small fish, and the lack of competition from other large predators, grayling here attain very high nutritional levels and large sizes, even with low population densities.

Daily and seasonal activity

Grayling is a strictly diurnal fish. At night, it practically does not feed and stays in hiding places.

Winter: Resides in deep holes and pools (2–6 m or more deep), eats very little, and metabolism is significantly slower. Activity is minimal.
Spring (April–May): After the ice breaks up, the spring feeding frenzy begins. Grayling move into shallow water, approach the mouths of tributaries, and actively feed on the migrating juveniles and eggs of other species.
Summer (June–August): Peak activity. Grayling disperse along riffles, pools, and shallows. They feed most actively in the morning and evening, often coming to the surface.
Autumn (September–October): Pre-spawn feeding frenzy. Graylings gather in schools and migrate upstream. Feeding remains intense until the spawning season begins.

On the Putorana Plateau, grayling are particularly active during the day. In lakes, they inhabit shallows and riffles, and in rivers, streams and ripples. Their activity peaks during the short northern summer (July–August), when they actively feed on the surface and near the bottom. In winter, grayling dwell in deep holes and rarely feed.

Behavior and character

Grayling is an extremely cautious and timid fish. It dislikes bright light, noise, sudden movements, and the angler's shadow. In rivers, it stays in riffles, near rocks, in currents, and in shallows, often standing motionless, waiting for the current to bring food. When threatened, it immediately retreats to cover—under rocks, into a hole, or near the bank.

Large specimens (1–1.5 kg) become territorial. They occupy prime spots in the riffles and drive away competitors. Small and medium-sized graylings stay in schools of 5–30 individuals.

Grayling are very sensitive to changes in pressure, temperature, and water level. Before sudden weather changes (especially before frosts, warmer weather, or floods), the bite may completely stop for several days.

Life cycle of grayling

Grayling (Thymallus thymallus and its Siberian subspecies) is one of the slowest-growing and longest-lived freshwater fish in the salmon family. Its entire life cycle occurs in clean, cold freshwater—grayling never migrates to the sea or migrates. It grows very slowly, matures late, and can live for 15–20 years, and under ideal conditions, up to 22–25 years. This biology allows grayling to reach large sizes and high nutritional levels in pristine northern and mountain waters.

1. Caviar and embryonic period (spring–summer)

Grayling life begins with the laying of eggs. Spawning occurs in spring and early summer (May–July, depending on the region), at water temperatures of 6–12°C.

The female lays 3,000 to 15,000 eggs (3–4 mm in diameter) in the pebble bottom of shallow, fast-flowing riffles and pools. The eggs are heavy and sink immediately to the bottom, either burrowing into the spaces between rocks or remaining in the bottom. Embryonic development takes 2–4 weeks (sometimes up to 5 weeks at very low temperatures).

The fry hatch in late May–July (later in northern regions). Initially, they feed on the remains of their yolk sac, remaining on the nest floor or in shelters. This period lasts 1–3 weeks.

2. Youth and early growth (0–3 years)

After the yolk sac is absorbed, the fry switch to external feeding:

zooplankton (daphnia, cyclops, bosmins)
small larvae of mosquitoes and chironomids
small crustaceans
terrestrial insects falling on water

Juveniles stay in the coastal zone, in quiet backwaters, channels, tributary mouths, and shallow, sheltered waters. They are extremely vulnerable: survival rates in the first 1–2 years rarely exceed 5–15%, even under ideal conditions.

Growth in the first years is extremely slow:

end of the 1st year - 6–10 cm
end of the 2nd year - 12–18 cm
end of the 3rd year - 18–25 cm

During this period, young grayling are very shy, hiding among stones, snags and vegetation, and avoiding open areas.

3. Juvenile period and transition to adult diet (3–5 years)

From 3-4 years of age, grayling begin to exhibit more predatory tendencies. They switch to larger prey:

larvae of caddisflies, mayflies, freckles
falling insects (mayflies, caddis flies, mosquitoes, midges)
small fish (minnow, gudgeon, young whitefish, lenok)
crustaceans and mollusks

Growth is gradually accelerating, but remains slow:

4–5 years – 25–35 cm, weight 200–500 g

At this age, grayling already occupies riffles, shoals and streams, becomes more territorial and begins to displace competitors from the best places.

4. Puberty and adulthood (5–20+ years)

Sexual maturity occurs late—at 3–5 years for males and 4–6 years for females (later in northern populations). This is one of the latest stages among freshwater salmonids.

After maturation, grayling begin spawning. Females lay eggs annually or every other year. Males spawn more frequently.

Adult grayling are diurnal benthic predators of the upper and surface waters. They feed primarily on flying insects and their larvae, but larger specimens actively hunt small fish. Their primary diet includes:

flying insects (mayflies, stoneflies, caddis flies, mosquitoes, midges, horseflies)
larvae of aquatic insects
small fish (minnow, gudgeon, young whitefish, lenok)
crustaceans and mollusks

Growth continues throughout life, but after 8–10 years it becomes very slow.

5. Longevity and aging

Grayling can live up to 15–20 years, and in exceptional conditions, up to 22–25 years. The oldest specimens caught in the rivers of the Putorana Plateau and Lake Baikal were 20–23 years old and weighed 2.5–3.5 kg.

Longevity is ensured by:

very slow metabolism in cold water
late puberty
multiple spawning without death after spawning
the absence of serious natural enemies in adult fish
life in hard-to-reach, clean bodies of water

On the Putorana Plateau, grayling thrive in near-perfect conditions: year-round water temperatures of 2–10°C, extremely high oxygen levels, a pebble bottom, abundant food (insect larvae, crustaceans, small fish), and a complete absence of pollution and civilization. This allows grayling to maintain a healthy weight, live up to 15–20 years, and reach the maximum size for their species—60–80 cm and 2.5–4 kg. It is precisely these pristine bodies of water that allow grayling to display all their best qualities—warmth, beauty, high-fat meat, and the ability to live to a ripe old age.

Methods of catching grayling

Grayling is one of the most beautiful and capricious freshwater fish. Catching it is considered the pinnacle of sport fishing in rivers and lakes. Grayling is incredibly cautious, selective in lures, and instantly reacts to the slightest changes in fishing line or scent, yet is also very strong and puts up a spirited fight. This is why grayling is a favorite target for fly fishermen, spin fishermen, and float fishermen.

The most effective methods for catching grayling are fly fishing, light spinning rods, and float rods. Each method requires precision, fine tackle, and an understanding of fish behavior.

1. Fly fishing is the classic and most sporty method

Fly fishing is the most popular and aesthetically pleasing method of catching grayling. Grayling strikes most confidently and beautifully with a fly.

Tackle: Single-handed rod, class 3–5 (for medium and large rivers), 9–10 feet. Line: floating or slow-sinking (intermediate). Leader: 2.5–3.5 m, leader: 0.12–0.20 mm (fluorocarbon). Reel: lightweight, with good drag.
Lures: Dry flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Klinkhammer, Parachute Hopper, Royal Wulff. Wet flies and nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper John, Zug Bug. Streamers 4–8 cm (for large grayling). Hook size: 10–18.
Technique: Cast upstream, letting the fly float naturally. Drag-free drift. The hookset is instant but gentle—the grayling takes it gently. Play the fish using your fingers and the drag, without jerking.

On the Putorana Plateau, fly fishing is the primary and most effective method for catching grayling. The best flies are dry imitations of mayflies and stoneflies (Adams, Elk Hair Caddis), as well as wet nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear). Grayling are found in riffles, near rocks, and in streams. Thanks to the crystal-clear water and the absence of civilization, the fish are less skittish, but they still require perfect fly presentation and the finest leaders (0.12–0.16 mm).

2. Light spinning is a versatile and affordable method

The spinning rod works great on fast riffles, in tight spots and in pits.

Tackle: Rod 2.1–2.7 m, casting weight 1–7 g or 3–14 g (ultralight or light). Reel 1000–2500. Braided line 0.06–0.12 mm + fluorocarbon leader 0.14–0.20 mm.
Lures: Micro-spoons 1–7 g (Mepps Aglia No. 00–1, Myran, Panther Martin, Smith Pure, Forest Pal). Spinners No. 00–2 (Mepps Black Fury, Blue Fox Super Vibrax, Myran). Micro-wobblers 2–5 cm (Yo-Zuri L-Minnow, Smith D-Contact, Salmo Hornet). Micro-jig 1–5 g with 1–3 inch silicone (Keitech, Reins, Lucky John).
Technique: Slow, steady retrieve along the bottom. Step-by-step retrieve with pauses. Twitching micro-wobblers with long pauses. A bite is indicated by a light strike or tug.

On the Putorana Plateau, a light spinning rod is very effective. The best lures are 2-5g microspoons and #00-1 spinners. Grayling are found in currents and riffles, so precise bottom retrieval and light rigging are essential. The fish here are large and strong, so landing them requires precise drag control.

3. A float rod is a simple and effective method

Float fishing works great in calm areas, backwaters and lakes.

Tackle: 4–6 m rod (pole or Bolognese). 0.12–0.18 mm line, 0.10–0.14 mm leader. 0.5–2 g float (sensitive, with a long antenna).
Baits: Bloodworms, maggots, worms (dung worms, earthworms). Caddis flies, amphipods, bark beetle larvae. Artificial eggs, paste. Small insects (ants, grasshoppers, flies).
Technique: Fishing along the bottom or in mid-water. Fishing with a float on a current. A bite is indicated by a slight twitch or a movement of the float to the side.

On the Putorana Plateau, float fishing for grayling is very effective in lakes and quiet river reaches. Caddis flies and bloodworms are the best bait. The fish are found at depths of 1–3 meters near rocks and in streams.

4. Winter grayling fishing

In winter, grayling is caught using a jig, a spoon, and tip-ups.

Winter fishing tackle: fishing rod with a nod. Jig 3–6 mm (black, silver, copper). Line 0.08–0.12 mm.
Baits: Bloodworm, bloodworm, burdock moth larva. Jigless baits with bloodworm attachment.
Technique: Playing along the bottom with short twitches. A bite is indicated by a light tap or a lift of the nod.

On the Putorana Plateau, winter grayling fishing is possible in ice-free rivers and lakes. The fish are found at depths of 3–8 meters. The best jigs are black and silver 4–5 mm jigs with bloodworms.

Nutritional value of grayling

Grayling is one of the cleanest, healthiest, and most nutritious freshwater fish in the salmon family. Its meat is prized for its white color, tender texture, almost complete absence of small bones, and characteristic light cucumber flavor, which comes from feeding on insects and crustaceans. Grayling has a relatively low fat content—usually 2–6% (depending on season, region, and food supply), making its meat one of the lightest of all salmonids. At the same time, grayling contains complete protein, a large number of micronutrients and vitamins, and a moderate amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chemical composition of grayling meat (per 100 g of raw product)

Calories: 95–130 kcal (average 105–115 kcal)
Proteins: 17.5–20.5 g (one of the highest among freshwater fish)
Fats: 2–6 g (on average 3–4 g), of which: – polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 — 0.4–1.2 g – Omega-6 — 0.1–0.4 g – saturated fats — 0.5–1.5 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Water: 75–80 g
Ash (mineral substances): 1.1–1.4 g

Grayling holds the record among freshwater fish for protein content and minimal calories. Its fat is light, quickly digestible, and virtually undetectable when eaten.

Vitamins (per 100 g)

Vitamin B12 – 2.5–5 mcg (100–200% of the daily value)
Vitamin D – 4–12 mcg (40–120% of the daily value)
Vitamin B6 - 0.3–0.6 mg
Niacin (PP, B3) - 5-10 mg
Riboflavin (B2) - 0.1–0.25 mg
Thiamine (B1) — 0.05–0.15 mg
Vitamin A - 15-50 mcg
Vitamin E — 0.5–1.5 mg

Grayling is particularly rich in vitamin B12 and vitamin D, which are key nutrients for northern regions where deficiency is very common.

Minerals (per 100 g)

Phosphorus — 220–320 mg
Potassium - 300–420 mg
Magnesium - 25-45 mg
Calcium - 15-35 mg
Sodium - 40-80 mg
Iron - 0.6–1.3 mg
Zinc — 0.8–1.6 mg
Selenium — 20–45 mcg
Iodine - 8-25 mcg
Copper - 0.05–0.12 mg

Grayling is distinguished by its high content of selenium, phosphorus and potassium, which makes it especially beneficial for the heart, nervous system and musculoskeletal system.

Health benefits of grayling meat

Regular consumption of grayling (100–200 g 2–3 times a week) has a powerful positive effect on the body:

strengthens the cardiovascular system (Omega-3 and potassium normalize blood pressure and heart rhythm)
supports brain, nervous system, and cognitive health (vitamin B12 and selenium)
improves the condition of bones and teeth (vitamin D and phosphorus)
increases immunity and resistance to infections
helps with anemia and iron deficiency
has a beneficial effect on skin, hair and nails (vitamins A, E, zinc, selenium)
normalizes metabolism and blood sugar levels
promotes recovery after physical exertion and illness
reduces inflammation in the body

Grayling is one of the most dietary fish: it can be included in diets for weight loss, gastrointestinal disorders, gout, and liver and pancreatic problems. Its low fat content and highly digestible protein make it ideal for children, the elderly, and athletes.

Features of preparation and use

Grayling is best cooked with minimal heat treatment to preserve its flavor, aroma, and nutrients:

lightly salted (stroganina) - the healthiest and most authentic northern method
grayling sugudai
cold smoked
dried
baked in foil or steamed
fried or boiled - less preferable (some of the healthy fats and vitamins are destroyed)

The white meat of grayling has a light cucumber aroma, which is especially pronounced in fresh and lightly salted fish.

Conclusion

Grayling is more than just a fish; it's a true symbol of healthy northern nutrition. Unlike migratory Pacific salmon, it lives its entire life in freshwater, grows slowly, and accumulates nutrients. On the Putorana Plateau, grayling reaches exceptional health thanks to the pristine natural environment, icy clear water, and abundant natural food. Here, it remains one of the most beneficial, delicious, and nutritious gifts of northern rivers and lakes.