Skip to main content

WHERE AND HOW TO CATCH WHITEFISH

WHERE AND HOW TO CATCH WHITEFISH

Lake whitefish inhabit large infertile lakes and river systems in the northern tier of the United States, all of Alaska, and across Canada, from the the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Despite the short growing season and harsh environment, whitefish often grow large -- one taken off Isle Royale around 1918 weighed an incredible 42 pounds. Today, lake whitefish rarely exceed 15 pounds, with fish from 4 to 8 pounds more common. These fish readily attack artificial lures and, once hooked, they pull like a smallmouth and jump like a baby tarpon. They're also abundant in some waters and always provide an excellent meal. You may not book a whitefish-only fly-in trip after catching one, but you won't go into whitefish country without light tackle, either.

Tackle

Rod: 6- to 7 1/2-foot, light- to medium-power spinning rod.

Reel: medium-capacity spinning reel.

Line: 6- to 10-pound-test mono.

Location


Lake whitefish, like other members of the whitefish clan, are cold-water fish. When surface temperatures rise into the mid-60F range, they move deep, staying below the thermocline much of the time. Researchers have collected them as deep as 420 feet. In early summer, however, they can be found on shallow offshore reefs or rocky points, feeding on small clams, insect larvae, leeches, and small fish. They return to these shallow rocky areas again in fall, when they spawn. Biologists report large spawning groups leaping over shallow reefs with water temperatures only in the upper 40F range.

Presentation




It's hard to beat 1/16-ounce marabou jigs or small in-line spinners, but in lakes with large northern pike populations, expect to get bit off continually. A small jig suspended beneath a float or casting bubble near the surface still takes lots of whitefish and won't attract as many pike. This rig can also be drifted or slowly retrieved across rocky reefs and points without hanging up. Just before dark, whitefish sipping emerging insects from the surface film often hit dry flies presented on a fly rod or casting bubble, or small compact spoons like Acme Kastmasters or Little Cleos. Trolling spoons also are effective later in the season when whitefish suspend over deep water.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

How to Pick the BEST Hook for Your Soft Plastic Bass Lures

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

Swapping Out TOPWATER Frog Hooks for Better Hook Ups

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

The BEST Hook For Catfish

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Gear

Maximize Fishing Graph Screen Inches For Maximum Fishing Data Output

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

DIY Rod Build: Exceeding Expectations with the Perfect Multi-Purpose Bass Rod

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Gear

Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 UNBOXING

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

GENIUS Planer Board Modification Tip with Ross Robertson

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Gear

In-Fisherman's Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Walk-Through with Thomas Allen

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

Old Town Salty PDL 120 Kayak Walk-Through

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

NEW In-Fisherman TV River Jet Boat: Yamaha Powered SmokerCraft Pro Sportsman 1866

Humminbird's TargetLock Foot Pedal Functions EXPLAINED
Learn

DECKED OUT 2023 Starcraft STX 2050: New In-Fisherman TV Boat

In-Fisherman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the In-Fisherman App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top In-Fisherman stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now