DOLLY VARDEN / ARCTIC CHAR
Often mistaken for one another, Dolly Varden and Arctic char are two captivating salmonids that grace the waters of Alaska. While they share some similarities, these fish possess unique characteristics that set them apart.
Dolly Varden: A Fish of Many Faces
The Dolly Varden, a true Alaskan icon, is one of the most widely distributed salmonids in the state. Its range spans across coastal areas from southeast Alaska to the Beaufort Sea, reaching as far as the Mackenzie River in northern Canada. This versatile fish also inhabits streams in Interior Alaska and the Brooks Range.
Dolly Varden exhibit remarkable diversity in their life history. Some populations spend their entire lives in freshwater lakes or rivers, while others migrate to saltwater for part of the year, returning to freshwater to spawn. In some cases, only females make the seaward journey, growing larger and producing more eggs before returning to spawn with resident males.
Arctic Char: A Master of Adaptability
Arctic char, also known as Salvelinus alpinus, is a circumpolar species found in Arctic and subarctic regions around the globe. In Alaska, it primarily inhabits lakes and streams north of the Arctic Circle. These fish are incredibly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of freshwater habitats, from pristine alpine lakes to icy Arctic rivers.
A Shared Heritage
Despite their distinct characteristics, Dolly Varden and Arctic char share a common ancestry. Both species belong to the genus Salvelinus, which also includes brook trout and lake trout. Over time, these fish have diverged, adapting to their specific environments.
Angling for Dolly Varden and Arctic Char
Dolly Varden and Arctic char are popular sportfish, prized for their fighting spirit and delicate flavor. They are often caught using a variety of methods, including fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting.
A Culinary Delight
The flesh of Dolly Varden and Arctic char is highly regarded for its culinary versatility. It can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or smoked, and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Char/Dolly Varden are also a secondary target fish, being mixed in with the rainbows and silver salmon in several rivers. They are brilliantly colored in September when they take on the spawning color and they can reach a length of close to 30 inches. No one ever complains about catching a char/Dolly Varden.
