Lake Whitefish
Lake Whitefish in Alaska are distributed from Alaska and western Canada to the Atlantic coastal drainage, found in cold freshwater lakes and their drainage basins.
These cool-water fish make seasonal migrations between different depths - deeper water in summer and winter, returning to shallower water in spring and fall.
Scientific Name: Coregonus clupeaformis
Also known as humpback
- They have an overall silvery to white coloration with olive to pale greenish-brown backs, small heads in relation to body length, and protruding snouts with subterminal mouths.
- The species averages 457mm in length.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found in cold freshwater lakes and their drainage basins.
- They can occasionally enter brackish water and are found in large, cold freshwater lakes throughout Alaska and Canada.
Specific Spots
- Target areas include rocky shoals, reefs, drop-offs, undercut banks, rock and boulder pockets, and areas near overhanging trees and bushes.
- Look for them in freshwater lakes and ponds, particularly in open water areas and spring holes.
- Lake Whitefish prefer water depths from 5-128 meters, though 15-37 meters is more common.
Lake Whitefish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Lake Whitefish in Alaska?
Effective lures include small spoons, jigs. Natural baits work well including fish e.g.gs, small fish, and insects. Bread or dough balls, cured fish roe, minnows, and various insects are effective baits.
What flies work for Lake Whitefish in Alaska?
Flies. For fly fishing, focus on patterns that imitate their primary food sources like mayflies, midges, and aquatic insects.
When is the best time to fish for Lake Whitefish in Alaska?
The best fishing occurs during late June through August. Target them during spring and winter. During fall and early winter, fish only during daylight hours. Avoid fishing during their spawning period from September through January.
How do you catch Lake Whitefish in Alaska?
A productive technique is floating small jigs near the surface under a bobber, letting it drift and slowly reeling back when reaching rocky points or reefs. For fly fishing, focus on patterns that imitate their primary food sources like mayflies, midges, and aquatic insects.
What do Lake Whitefish eat?
Lake Whitefish are primarily bottom feeders with small mouths, eating aquatic insects (Diptera, Trichoptera, Chironomidae larvae, Hexagenia nymphs), amphipods (Pontoporeia and Mysis), mollusks (Sphaerium and Amnicola), fish e.g.gs and fry, small alewives, and sculpin.
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