WA Fish Quest EP 54: Arctic Grayling

I trek deep into the wilderness to catch one of Washington's rarest fish: the arctic grayling. Introduced in the mid-40s, Upper Granite Lake is the only place in the state the artic grayling survives.
References:
UW website on Artic Grayling
www.uwb.edu/ne...
Management of Washington's High Mountain Lakes (WDFW)
wdfw.wa.gov/si...
Upper Granite Lake Hike on Alltrails
www.alltrails....

[@SubsurfaceObsession]

Looks like quite the adventure! Congrats on the grayling!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you so much Jason! That hike really put the wind back in my sails!!

[@SledorFish]

I fished there over 20 years ago before I was so well rounded, lol. We were able to drive to the first water crossing back then. My friend was a civil engineering student and got a key to study the old bridges from the early 1900's. They used some massive old growth logs for the bridges. Also, if I remember correctly those cutthroat in Upper Granite were called Montana black spot cutthroat so you may have checked another species off the list... that you didn't know needed to be on the list, haha. If you go back check out the inlet for sure.

[@WAFishQuest]

Sweet! I'm pretty sure I'll be back. I will check out the inlet. I did notice those upper lake cutties were either not straight westslope, or something else. Mystery solved. This is a great piece of information both historical and biological. Thank you! 👍

[@bhanson28]

You don’t see the peak of fashion on hiking trails, but you REALLY don’t see high peak fashion at stream crossings! Congrats, you pulled it off.😆

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Breanna! Striking poses is the real reason I venture into nature!

[@bhanson28]

@@WAFishQuest I knew it!! 🤣

[@patriciaward3207]

Blake, I’ve fishing area 10, been keeping my eye out for you up here…

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Patricia! It's been a comedy of errors with me this salmon season. I have yet to get out! I hope you're finding some!!

[@AaronSprague1]

I really liked this video I am an avid hiker and hike a little over 100 miles a year. this is on my list and will definitely do it.

[@WAFishQuest]

It's a great hike Aaron! Some people think it's an incredibly challenging hike. It's a grind, and you get whacked in the face with small twigs on the bear runs a lot. But I found it quite enjoyable. (I did need a rest day when I got back tho)!

[@EmilyClaire]

Scatman John AND Fresh Prince references? I live!!!

[@WAFishQuest]

Ha ha, thanks Emily!! Glad you enjoyed hearing em as much as I enjoyed doing em!

[@deibert1]

Awesome catch.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Don!

[@myronwilliams5652]

Surprised they still there

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Myron! At least for now, they seemed to be in good shape. Had I caught a male, they looked about a foot long and thick.

[@PeelingLine]

Awesome lake. That grouse would have made a nice meal on a campfire. In my experience working in the bush the big animals don't make much noise but you do know they're there from their crap and prints. I have wanted to do this for a while but the list of fishing friends and friends that like to hike are mutually exclusive. 👍

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Brett! Isn't that weird? I took don't have very many fishing friends. And the ones I do have tend to be either saltwater or steelhead focused. And as you say, the hiking/fishing overlap is surprisingly not very common.

[@PeelingLine]

@@WAFishQuest Him me up if you ever need someone to go. I am usually good to go with a day or 2 notice if I'm in town.

[@nuggyfresh6430]

Loved the scat man rendition.

[@WAFishQuest]

Ha ha thank you Nuggyfresh!

[@my-back-yard]

Great video, love the underwater camera!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Brent!! As you know I really enjoyed your last vid too.

[@my-back-yard]

Thanks!

[@BelcherRS]

What is the other specie you wanted to target when you started the channel? Great episode, and congrats on a fun, full value fish quest!

[@settygreg2054]

Great video

[@WAFishQuest]

Eh, thank you Setty! That hike really put the wind back in my sails!

[@HobbiesHobo]

Congratulations on the successful trip! They are a cool fish, I caught them back in the early 90's in a place called "Bloody Falls" on the Coppermine River, way up north near the north coast, no real sport though, just lower a fly into river and lift out a fish. Glad to see you check them off your list!! Excellent!🙂

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Mike! It's an honor to join your exclusive club! 🎩

[@HobbiesHobo]

@@WAFishQuest Another channel I follow just posted a Grayling catch in a lake in Utah a few weeks ago, he had no idea what kind of fish it was. I always thought they were exclusive to Northern Canada and Alaska but I've been schooled!

[@juliebealflygirl]

Blake!! So glad to see a new vid. Keep up the great work.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you so much! I need to practice my fly casting... That'd be amazing up there.

[@SteveFromWyoming]

Cool area, could have done with out the leg strut! lol Thoroughly enjoyed your trip thru the mountains.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Steve! This was a pretty popular episode for me. I'm pretty sure that was all do to the leg strut!

[@SteveFromWyoming]

@@WAFishQuest Coho salmon are in if you need a trip give me a shout.

[@patriciaward3207]

Congratulations

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Patricia! I hope the season is going well for you!

[@JohnQuincy1776]

I am so glad you keep these up.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you thank you Brian! Been a minute (like... 9 months I think) since I did a classic fish quest format.

[@nate.or.nodate]

I had no idea they could be found in WA! Thanks for sharing as always and glad you were able to hook into one!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you as always Nate! That hike and those fish will stick with me for a long time. Really enjoyed it!

[@ElleryNewcomer-r2l]

Cool! I went up to that lake a few times as a teenager, but never managed to catch anything but cutthroat, so really impressed you managed to get one

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you! I super appreciate the kind words. Even a blind squirrel finds a grayling ever now and again... Or something. Honestly, I was happy just catching cutthroat! I need to practice my craptacular fly casting next time I go. The fish are so close in... Even my lame casts could reach em!

[@David-cd7uh]

Great vid keep them coming

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you David!

[@youraveragefishkeeper]

Fantastic episode. I don’t think I have it in me yet to make a trip like this so hats off to you. This episode gave me a bit of nostalgia as I used to fish for these in some fishing game I now do not remember. If you ever want to come up to and do a Kokanee episode I’d love to take you out on my local lake or let you know which one it is along with some tips so you can do your own thing.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton! I should probably hit Kokanee at some point. I'll catch em by my place sometimes. But I really should start doing some Kokanee episodes!

[@khanhtuannguyen]

Banger episode Blake! Love the adventure!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks as always Khan!! Super appreciate it!

[@PoserdaveOutdoors]

Man, now I have ANOTHER fish to add to my bucket list, thanks for the share

[@WAFishQuest]

#1 I'd never lie to you Dave... I'm a Dangler. #2 I've only been gone a few days. But it was such a blast I'd love to return with a proper party. We'll call ourselves the Donner party!

[@PoserdaveOutdoors]

@WAFishQuest oh man that sounds like a good time

[@chrishenderson6806]

Did you just throw out a scat man reference?

[@WAFishQuest]

A bee bop bodom boop! Bee bop bop bodom boop!

[@everettseahawk8347]

Beautiful scenery and beautiful fish. Those grayling sure are cool fish. Thanks for sharing!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you as always and Go Hawks!

[@ilonakiforishin1273]

Keep doing this it’s so amazing to watch I give it a big like from your amazing friend and huge Seahawks fan lady Ilona👍🏻😃

[@Bo_in_Seattle]

Awesome episode Blake! Wow that water and that scenery. Actually really enjoyed the release shots! So crystal clear. Hopefully I run into you at shilshole again in the near future! Classic WFQ episode, thanks again!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton as always Bo! I do need the get my act together (salmon season wise).

[@Bo_in_Seattle]

@@WAFishQuest I have a 14' cobalt blue lund as well that I've been frantically getting ready over the last few weeks. Grabbed my tabs today! I'll look for you up here🤙🤙

[@j-swizzyswoll8000]

Sometimes i turn on these videos just to hear the intro in between customers…

[@Jarom.M]

I lost it at the Scat Man joke. Well done. Grayling are one of those species that's on my bucket list. I'm a bit jealous, but also encouraged that I might be able to trick my wife into doing this backpacking trip to get some. They were stocked 43 years ago in one river system, but I've fished it up and down and have never seen one. This is probably my best bet to get into them.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Jarom! Glad you appreciated the scatman joke. 😂 It was pretty exhilarating just seeing them swimming around. I suspect if I wasn't late for the spawn (which is an assumption), catching them in the inlet would be more or less automatic. They were coming and going from depth, when I was there.

[@grantnoble9978]

What an awesome little adventure! Beautiful hike for sure. Thanks Blake, that was really cool to watch.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Grant! This adventure was extremely reinvigorating!!

[@RV_Chef_Life]

Talk about pristine water. I could just take a swim in that while sitting in this 107 degree New Mexico heat 🥵🥵🥵

[@WAFishQuest]

Hey Grits and Glamour! Great to hear from you as always! 107? Ug. I turn into a (rotten) pumpkin at about 85.

[@WAFishQuest]

Also love the new logo! 🤙

[@nicholaswarren3776]

Hey Blake this fall let’s float a river in my drifter

[@johnogden6668]

Congrats on the grayling Blake! I was surprised an impressed to see this pop up on my feed. I've wanted to try this hike for years but always talked myself out of it with excuses ("too remote, too many mosquitos, weird parking situation at the trailhead", etc.), but you make it look so easy I might just have to try anyway. Must be so weird to catch so many beautiful cuttys and still not have it be what you want! New favorite fish quest ep for sure.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you John! It's a toughie for sure. But if you just take little breaks every now and again s'all good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's one of those trails where if you don't like getting whapped by branches constantly it'd stink. But s'all good. Sometimes the tree hugs back! Ha ha. Just largely superficial scratches (got a couple nice ones too tho). I wasn't really attacking it, so was surprised it took under < 10 hours. Going out was closer to 8 1/2. The stream crossing is the only part that is obviously dangerous. But it was calm for me (I'm sure right after ice off I'd be very treacherous).

[@DullBlaze]

😲🥳

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Stave!

[@deanfirnatine7814]

I grew up in a place loaded with cougars and very big bears amongst other things, I would strongly encourage you to drop any bias you may have and get a proper sidearm like a 10mm for bear country for your own self preservation. I personally would never depend on bear spray based on my own unpleasant experiences. Sad we only have one lake here with Grayling. The map shows them all over North Cascades National Park, is that not accurate? I am assuming the map is not accurate because it shows them all over the Three Sisters area in Oregon and Northern Blue Mountains in Oregon and I am pretty sure that is not accurate. There has to be something beyond temps effecting lack of success here because those streams they are native to in Michigan's lower peninsula are not freezing cold.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Dean! I have no firearms bias. 🤙

[@SuperDuper-dz9re]

Funny how he omits from his video the part where he trespasses private property to reach the trail... Ha ha

[@WAFishQuest]

I did not observe I crossed a private parcel on the GPS. If I did cross onto private property, it was not intentional. Are you certain there is only one approach?

[@SuperDuper-dz9re]

@@WAFishQuest quite certain. Especially as the beginning signage is not long after you crossed the footbridge with multiple signs stating to not enter. The part you didn't show prior to rolling up to that signage in video 🤔 you knew what you were doing.

[@se4000]

More prime spots getting ruined by 'tubers

[@WAFishQuest]

This spot is already fairly well-known due to the grayling. (You can punch it into Google and a number of sites come up). It's just not fished much because the hike is challenging. I do understand your concern tho. I did a video called "KZbinrs and spot burning," might be worth a watch. We're probably not as far off as you may think.

[@WAFishQuest]

This spot is already fairly well-known due to the grayling. (You can punch it into Google and a number of sites come up). It's just not fished much because the hike is challenging.

[@deandredunbar9618]

I'm from fairbanks grayling are pretty common up here. I'm glad you got to catch one they are pretty fish. taste like shit but beautiful fish

[@WAFishQuest]

Great to know! Glad I didn't eat it. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@Kado244]

Great video

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Kayden!

[@pacificnorthwestoutdoors8510]

What’s the other fish on your list?

[@WAFishQuest]

Great question! Sorry to be coy, but I'll share in the future. I'm not sure if it even exists where I think it does... I'll go for it this summer I think.

[@pacificnorthwestoutdoors8510]

@@WAFishQuest golden trout huh?! Nice! Lol

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

I believe they're a bioindicator species. It's not my field but I believe they're sensitive to pollution and environment change so they're a great fish to monitor to see if something's off.

[@WAFishQuest]

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you!

[@sethteeters9565]

Great episode! Congrats!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Seth! I value your high praise!

[@wannafishalure]

Great video. Thanks for letting us come along. Do you carry a tracking (GPS) device on occasions like this?

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Toni! I don't but probably should. What's worse, my phone got wet in the stream crossing. So I was back to nature after that. It's a pretty straightforward hike tho and I always bring redundancies. (Example: static map, compass). Especially with Boulder Creek within ear or eye shot though, getting lost was never an issue.

[@wannafishalure]

@@WAFishQuest Well Blake, I am a mom. My son goes hiking. He was with friends who told him to go ahead and check something out. He fell and hurt his face (nose). They had cell service so he called them. What if he was knocked unconscious and couldn't call them? If he fell off the trail? You get the picture. The worse would be more than getting lost. If something happens to you I would miss your videos. But your wife and child would miss you much more. You might not hike much but look into something that might have a tracking service that your family can see you. He and I are looking into some (Garmin) $300-400.

[@pnwvintageoutdoors]

Excellent info on the grayling! Those are a bucket list fish for me, the dorsal is so cool and their fight looks like a lot of fun. Would love to hike that one day!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Brian! I might go back next year. A little earlier perhaps. Get em on the spawn. Even the cutthroat are worth it!

[@garroncrashhaun5533]

That's awesome! Congrats on the Grayling! If you ever need some backpacking buddies for trip like this (for safety and what not) I've got a group of fishing friends who would make time for trips like this! Feel free to reach out if you ever want some folks to tag along :)

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks as always Garron! I reckon I'll be back. I missed it the next day. Still kinda do.

[@ronjones1414]

What a bucket list fish! Congratulations! Next time, cutthroat catch and cook, they are clearly abundant.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you! Totally agree Ron. If I was going to stay at or near the lake a second night, definitely would have ate one or two. I don't think I put it in my final edit, but I was devouring salmon berries as I can across them.

[@ronjones1414]

@@WAFishQuest mmmmm salmon berries...

[@ilonakiforishin1273]

Yeah Blake new videos great to see you I can’t wait for new videos football season is almost here in 2 months continue rocking with our Seahawks team Go Hawks Woo!!!!🙂🤜🏻💙💚

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Ilona! Go Hawks and so glad to see my videos are bringing joy. 🙏

[@ilonakiforishin1273]

@@WAFishQuest You’re welcome Yes it did I feel so much joy Thank you😃 Go Hawks

[@ilonakiforishin1273]

@@WAFishQuest beautiful place by the way I can’t wait to watch you more😊

[@Mo_Taser]

What are Arctic Grayling called in the Arctic? Grayling. Thank you very much. I'll be here all week. Try the veal and don't forget to tip your waiter.

[@WAFishQuest]

Two drink minimum people! 😂

[@BoykoOutdoors]

That’s so cool! i remember reading about this lake somewhere years ago didn’t think they would still be in there

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Boyko! I can verify there are at least 4. 😂

[@BoykoOutdoors]

@@WAFishQuest haha at least they’re in there!

[@entinthetent]

I did not know we had these in the state. This a wonderful video, very beautiful scenery.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Troy! Glad I could show you something novel!

[@ThePiscatorian360]

Those were beautiful lakes and fish. Lots of cutty action and mission accomplished. Congrats on the grayling!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Jerry! Honestly, just catching them cutties was thrill enough. The grayling was gray-vy!

[@ThePiscatorian360]

@WAFishQuest yeah making it 9 miles to those lakes was a win in my book, so beautiful and definitely worth the effort.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Man I have never been more upset with you than I am right now! This is literally in my back yard and this is KINDA right up my alley... and you didn't invite meee!!!!!

[@WAFishQuest]

Sorry about that! I'd go again, Tim! After I caught that grayling I headed out, but it'd be fun to spend longer up there.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

@WAFishQuest I do believe that lake is on my list for later this summer or next summer. And I am only a little mad 🤣🤣 I'd obviously be down to do a backpack thing sometime though

[@WAFishQuest]

If you don't get to it this year, let's do it early July next season! If you're amenable let's exchange phone #s on the Instagram messenger. (I thought we had emailed before but I couldn't find the chain). I hope to do at least one or two more overnighters this summer.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

@@WAFishQuest don't threaten me with a good time 😁

[@wojomojo]

Wow Blake this was an epic Quest! Also, did you make it back out alive?! Did you stay two nights or one?

[@WAFishQuest]

Hey Wojomojo! Thank you! I ended it when I did, because I was going to hike out after only 1. But I misplaced my backpack. Took me an hour to find it! Not sure if I would have made it at any rate. I ended up camping near that stream crossing, and leaving the next morning. (I thought about doing the stream crossing and walking out as darkness fell, but figured no need to push). I was back to my truck around 7:30 am. Had breakfast in Arlington. I recommend the Blue Bird Dinner. Excellent biscuits and gravy!

[@Themosthumblest]

I’ve always wanted to hike there. Awesome adventure there !

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton! I hope you get up there. It's a challenging hike, but very manageable.

[@outdoorsrj]

One of your best videos yet Blake!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you as always! I must confess, I was pretty happy with this adventure and footage.

[@DansBackcountry]

This one has been on my bucket list!!!

[@DansBackcountry]

Let me know if you plan to go again. I'll come with you!

[@SteelheadTed]

Excellent show, one of your best. Your positivity in spite of elevation gain and skeeters is impressive. I’ve spent a lot of time in the alpine and it’s beauty is sometimes tempered by the misery to get there (and stay there) but I sure never regret doing it.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Ted! Super appreciate the kind words. I had the most terrible "drive" on I-5 to get there. Tacoma was a parking lot. Getting to hike felt so freeing in comparison, I was in an even better mood than usual. It's a great hike in general tho!

[@BGrizz-hz4wn]

I love this channel, but so you know arctic greyling are found in a few of our highland lakes.

[@WAFishQuest]

Oh cool. (I appreciate the compliment sandwich there, no offense taken). Publicly, that info is not what I found. So I am ignorant of those lakes. I am heartened if that's the case tho!

[@weerezboy28]

Fashion icon Blake, watch him cross a stream in a single bound!

[@WAFishQuest]

Next stream I cross, a Paris runway will be in the other side!

[@NorthwestCatch]

Love this episode. Forget how hard the hike was. Staying alone up there would be my challenge. Thanks

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton NWCatch! I was pretty tired. When critters would come around I was like oh no let me sleep!!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

That level of ‘send it’ is real. So glad you caught one up there and got to check it off your list. Also looks like you enjoy spending time in water

[@WAFishQuest]

Ha ha! Yeah! It was very hot, so s'all good. (If anything I'm a little concerned how warm that water was). Thank you NWOS!