Dolly Varden

Scientific Name: Salvelinus malma malma

Dolly Varden, with its mild and slightly sweet flavor profile, is a culinary treasure for those who appreciate the nuances of wild-caught fish. The firm, flaky texture of this char makes it a delight to prepare using various methods such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Whether served with a simple drizzle of lemon and herbs or smoked to enhance its natural flavors, Dolly Varden offers a culinary experience that is both elegant and rustic. Its moderate fat content ensures it remains moist and flavorful, making it a versatile ingredient for any chef. For those seeking to taste the wild beauty of Alaska's waters, Dolly Varden is an unforgettable choice.

Dolly Varden

Culinary Values

Cooking Methods

Fishing

Dolly Varden is part of a family of four. They grow to about 1.3m (4¼ft) in length, and their lighter spots distinguish them from trout and salmon. Adult male Dolly Varden develop a distinctive bright red coloration with the lower body, and their wings are red-black with white edges. Over time, their lower jaw grows. Adult females are similar in color but less bright. Sea-going Dolly Vardens are more silvery, with many red and orange spots on their flanks, and greenish-brown dorsal fins. Dolly Varden spawns in streams during the fall. Eggs are deposited in grooves dug by females with their tails. The young migrate to the sea at the age of three or four in May and June. Migratory fish then winter in freshwater, with separate river and lake populations.

Migratory Behaviour in Alaska

Northern Alaskan Dolly Vardens spend most of the winter in rivers, while Southern Alaska Dolly Vardens winter in lakes. It is believed that they explore the lakes on a random basis, swimming in different rivers until they find the lake above. Both male and female Dolly Varden must return to spawn in the river in which they spawned.