Arctic char

Getting started

Your first try for arctic char

One recommended starting point: char spoon on the ice through the ice. More methods are listed under “How to fish”.

1. 1. Place and time

   • Best in Jan–Apr.

2. 2. Tackle

   Bait

   Red maggots, or a mix of white and red.2Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions2ExperienceHooked.noIsfisketips etter ørret og røyeAll sources on this page

   Leader

   About twice as long as the spoon.3Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions3ExperienceHooked.noSlik fanger du påskerøyaAll sources on this page

   Hook

   A small circle hook in size 6.3Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions3ExperienceHooked.noSlik fanger du påskerøyaAll sources on this page

3. 3. How to do it

   • →A char spoon (røyeblink) with a baited hook below is a common and effective method for char on the ice.3,4,5,6Sources×Fishing tip confirmed by 4 independent sources of experience · Applies to all regions3ExperienceHooked.noSlik fanger du påskerøya4ExperienceFluefiske.infoGenerelle tips til isfiske5ExperienceSkitt FiskeRøye- og ørretblinker6OrganisationNorges Jeger- og FiskerforbundRøyeAll sources on this page
   • →Bump the spoon on the bottom a few times, then make slow lifts.3,4,5Sources×Fishing tip confirmed by 3 independent sources of experience · Applies to all regions3ExperienceHooked.noSlik fanger du påskerøya4ExperienceFluefiske.infoGenerelle tips til isfiske5ExperienceSkitt FiskeRøye- og ørretblinkerAll sources on this page
   • →Bait the hook with maggots.3,4,5Sources×Fishing tip confirmed by 3 independent sources of experience · Applies to all regions3ExperienceHooked.noSlik fanger du påskerøya4ExperienceFluefiske.infoGenerelle tips til isfiske5ExperienceSkitt FiskeRøye- og ørretblinkerAll sources on this page

Where

Where to find arctic char

Technique and tackle

How to fish for arctic char

When

Season and time of day

• →In many places, a lot of char are caught by ice fishing in winter.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonrøyeAll sources on this page

About the fish

Identification and life history

Identification

• →During spawning the char takes on a splendid colouring with a bright red belly and white-edged pectoral and pelvic fins. It is most striking in large, old fish.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonrøyeAll sources on this page
• →The Arctic char is the species with the greatest variation in shape, behaviour and way of life, and occurs in several forms in the same lake.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonrøyeAll sources on this page

Size

• →Ordinary char are often small and rarely exceed 30 cm. Where there are not too many char, they can reach 2–3 kg, as in many lakes on Finnmarksvidda.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonrøyeAll sources on this page
• →Dwarf char in deep lakes grow slowly and rarely exceed 20 cm.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonrøyeAll sources on this page

Diet

• →Ordinary char often feed on zooplankton in open water. Without competition from trout they also eat bottom animals in the shallows.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonrøyeAll sources on this page

Experiences

Tips from people who have fished for arctic char

Sources

What this page is based on

The numbers in the text refer to the sources below. Fishing tips must be confirmed by at least three independent sources. Read about our source requirements.