The Chena River

The Chena River is a tributary of the Tanana River.   It flows through downtown Fairbanks.   The upper Chena is one of the premier destinations for Arctic Grayling in the State. Here I display a beautiful Grayling caught near Chena Hot Springs.   This fish is just under 20 inches.   I believe the state record is 24 inches.

This is not only a large Grayling, but one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen.   The colors that are displayed on the male's dorsal fin are indescribable. The Arctic Grayling is a very slow growing fish.   This specimen is very likely 15 to 20 years old.

There are a few locations on the Upper Chena that are accessible only by aircraft.  These locations offer solitude and consistent fishing. Chris shows a beautiful 18 inch Grayling that proudly displays the dorsal fin.

My Son-in-Law, Jeremy Walker holds a pretty 17 inch fish that he caught on the Fly Rod we made together. Chris casts to the pool in the background.

Arctic Grayling have irridescent colors that show differently depending on the light.  In the sunlit water, the fish appear multi-colored with hues of blue, green, and red. The Upper Chena is another favorite location to take visitors to the area fishing.  This strip and section of the river is 30 minutes flying time from my home.