The Dolly Varden is a beautiful and adaptable fish found in Alaska. It has a distinctive appearance and can be caught on our multi-day float trips in Southwest Alaska. Dolly Vardens are opportunistic feeders, eating insects, small fish, and salmon eggs. Depending on their habitat and diet, they can grow quite large, with many examples weighing over 20 pounds. Despite being often referred to as “trout,” they belong to the genus Salvelinus (chars). They have a greenish body with numerous small spots, a relatively thick caudal peduncle (the narrowing part of the body near the tail), and a slightly forked tail. Many populations are semi-anadromous, meaning they migrate between freshwater and saltwater. Others are riverine or lacustrine (lake-dwelling). Their vibrant colors and distinctive markings make them a popular target for anglers and nature enthusiasts. They play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as prey for larger fish and birds, and they are highly prized for their delicious flesh, often used in smoked or grilled dishes.
