Arctic Char

About this time of the year a magical process takes place in the waters of the Arctic. These waters are home to one of the culinary treasures of the world, Arctic Char. This fish is part of the trout family and has adapted itself to its environment perfectly. The char live in the lakes and rivers for ten months of the year coinciding with the freeze up of these waters. They migrate every year from the ocean through rivers to move inland to lakes for the ten months of hibernation.

From what I know of this fish it remains relatively quiet for these months and lives off the accumulated fat gained from eating shrimp and Tommy cods for two months. Studies show that these fish remain in the same place and become almost comatose and lose up to 30 % of their body weight during the long cold winters.

In the spring as the ice begins to melt and the rivers which were frozen during the winter begin to open up and flow to the sea, the char wake up. Nature causes these fish to get to the ocean and a feeding frenzy begins. This cycle really begins around the end of June and continues for two months . The char gain up to 40% of their weight as they fill up on the plentiful food supply. During this period the fish travel in schools and the Inuit gather them in nets along the shores of the Arctic

The char are so very important for the Inuit as they are dried and stored for the winter. Although many fish are caught there appears to be a good supply and conservation methods are adhered by sportsmen and the Inuit.

I loved to fish the char and eat them in a number of ways. The Inuit taught me to try eating them raw with a little sauce and I never looked back. With a light rod and a lure you could not ask for a better game fish. The speed they generate when hooked and the leaps makes your fishing day a dream come true. My friends and family who visited me were astounded at the joy of fishing in the Arctic. The size of these fish makes catching them a battle as they can reach up to 28 lbs. The average in my experience was about 6 to 10 lbs. I caught one which was 22 lbs. on a 12 lb, test line using a ten of diamonds lure.

In the fall about the end of August these fish make their way back to their winter hid away to begin the cycle all over again. The next time you see Arctic Char on a restaurant menu order this delicious treat. Blood red flesh, firm and appealing will make you a fan of this Arctic delight.