Arctic Grayling gear

Quick setup

Rod	Reel	Line
Ultralight spinning rod, or a 2 to 6 weight fly rod.	Small spinning reel with the drag eased off; fly reel for floating line.	4 to 6 lb monofilament. Fly: weight-forward floating line with an 8 to 10 foot leader.

Rod, reel and line

Rod: Ultralight spinning rod, or a 2 to 6 weight fly rod.
Reel: Small spinning reel with the drag eased off; fly reel for floating line.
Line: 4 to 6 lb monofilament. Fly: weight-forward floating line with an 8 to 10 foot leader.

Baits

small baits, where legal

Lures

small flashy spinners
small spoons

Rigs

Clip a small bobber about 18 inches above a dry fly or bead-head nymph to fish flies on spinning gear.

Tips

Grayling rules vary by state and water, and some waters are catch and release only. Check regulations first.
Grayling usually hold near the surface, so most fishing is shallow.
Fly fishing: Grayling rise readily to dries such as elk hair caddis, black gnat, royal coachman and mosquito patterns. Nymphs like hare's ear and pheasant tail in sizes 10 to 18 catch even more.

Starter setup

A 5.5 to 7 foot light to medium-light spinning or spincast rod and matching reel, spooled with 6 lb monofilament. Spincast is easiest for beginners, and a 4 to 5 foot rod suits small kids. Carry size 6 to 10 hooks, a few split shot (pinched on 4 to 8 inches above the hook), small bobbers, a couple of small spinners and jigs, and worms. Learn the improved clinch knot and the palomar knot.

Light line casts farther and draws more strikes. Heavier line and stiffer rods are for bigger fish, heavy cover or sharp teeth, not for everyday fishing.

When to size up

Fish	Gear
Walleye, bass, saugeye, hybrid striped bass	medium rod, 8 to 12 lb line, 6 to 7.5 feet
Channel catfish	medium-heavy rod, 10 to 20 lb line
Northern pike	medium-heavy rod, 15 lb or heavier braid, steel or heavy fluorocarbon (40 lb+) leader
Muskellunge	heavy 7 to 9 foot rod, 50 to 80 lb braid, heavy leader
Trolling for lake trout and salmon	8.5 to 10.5 foot trolling rods, 15 lb mono or 30 lb braid, level-wind reels
Steelhead	8 to 10 foot or longer rods, 6 to 10 lb line
Lake sturgeon	heavy rod, 50 to 100 lb braid

Stocked in the last 2 years

45 waters with a stocking in the last 2 years.

Gear types only. Check your state's fishing regulations before you go.