T. arcticus is an attractive and important sport fish in northern Canada and Alaska. Native Alaskans depend on it for a food source in remote areas. Various bottom substrates are used with fine gravel being the preferred. Between 4,000 and 7,000 eggs are laid and hatch between 11 and 18 days. Young feed on zooplankton shifting to immature insects and occasionally small fishes.
Maturity is reached in two years, the preferred habitat is clear, cold water streams and lakes.
The females may spawn once or several times before leaving the spawning grounds. During the egg laying process both the male and the female vibrate vigorously stirring up bottom substrate which leaves a thin layer over the eggs. No nest is prepared. They surgically implanted radio transmitters in 67 fish. The fish were released into three river systems of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.