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Lake Whitefish

Lake Whitefish

Lake Whitefish in Indiana are primarily found in Lake Michigan waters along the state's northwestern border, representing a small portion of their native Great Lakes range. These silvery fish with pale green-brown backs are related to salmon and trout.

Scientific Name: Coregonus clupeaformis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery fish with pale green-brown backs, typically growing 17-22 inches and weighing 1.5-4 pounds, though Indiana's record stands at 9 pounds 5.4 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit the cooler, deeper waters of Lake Michigan, retreating to depths up to 200 feet during warm months.
  • They school together in the lake's deeper, darker waters during summer temperature rises.

Key Locations

  • Lake Michigan waters along Indiana's northwestern border.
  • Indiana's record stands at 9 pounds 5.4 ounces from Porter County's Lake Michigan waters in 2021.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky shorelines, submerged reefs, and boulder fields where they spawn and feed.
  • Shallow boulder fields and rocky areas 8-20 feet deep for spawning.

Lake Whitefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Lake Whitefish in Indiana?

Small hooks baited with fish e.g.gs, which are highly effective for this species. Small jigs, spoons, and flies.

What flies work for Lake Whitefish in Indiana?

Nymph patterns in sizes 14-22, particularly prince nymphs which are exceptionally productive for whitefish. Caddis larvae, mayfly nymphs, midge larvae, and stonefly nymph imitations. Small streamers like woolly buggers in sizes 12-16.

When is the best time to fish for Lake Whitefish in Indiana?

Spring immediately after ice-out when they move to shallower areas, and again in fall before spawning season begins. Avoid fishing during their November-December spawning period.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish in Indiana?

Focus on getting flies down to the bottom where these benthic feeders primarily forage. Small streamers like woolly buggers can be stripped slowly past the fish. Look for schools of fish using sonar, as whitefish typically travel together.

What do Lake Whitefish eat?

Benthic coolwater feeders with a diet dominated by invasive dreissenid mussels in southern waters and round goby in central areas, also consuming small fish, fish e.g.gs, caddis larvae, mayfly larvae, midge larvae, and stonefly nymphs.

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Indiana licenses and regulations

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