Unlike mammals, most fish reproduce by fertilizing eggs outside of their bodies. This act is commonly referred to as spawning. When fish migrate for spawning purposes, biologist refer to this as a "spawning run".

When spring finally arrives in Montana, Arctic Grayling initiate just such a "run". This consistent, mostly predictable, behavior affords Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office personnel an opportunity to monitor and assess Arctic Grayling trends in collaboration with Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.