Species · Fly · Salvelinus alpinus
Arctic Char
The UK's only native charr - hard-fighting fish that hold deep in upland lakes and deep lochs, rarely rising far up the water column. Fish for them with lures and nymphs worked deep, and note that they are rare and protected, with only a handful of English lakes holding them.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Upland lakes, moorland waters, deep lochs |
| Best time | Morning/Evening |
| Category | Wild |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Lures, Nymph, Dry fly
- Baits and flies: Wet Flies, Nymphs, Midges, Lures
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 8-14. Barbless fly hooks. Lure hooks for spoons, light wire for flies and nymphs |
| Mainline | WF5-6. Weight Forward floating or intermediate. Floating for surface work, intermediate sinking for deep water |
| Hooklength | 4-6lb tippet. 9-12ft. Tapered leader to fluorocarbon tippet |
| Shotting | Weighted nymphs (bead heads) for deep water. No weight for surface work. |
| Field notes | Arctic char take lures - a small spoon worked slowly is deadly; They hold deep in cold water - fish mid-water and the bottom; Surface takes are spectacular - watch for the flash of silver; Fish for them from ice-off through summer - autumn is their spawning time, not a feeding peak; Fine tippets are essential - char are line shy; Treat landed char with extreme care - prompt release, minimal handling |
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