Skip to main content

Pygmy Whitefish

Pygmy Whitefish

Pygmy Whitefish are small, glacial relict fish that represent Washington's southernmost native population of this species in North America. These diminutive salmonids are found in cool, oligotrophic lakes and streams of mountainous regions.

Scientific Name: Prosopium coulteri

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically measure less than 20 cm (8 inches) and are characterized by their silvery appearance with olive-brown backs, large eyes relative to body size, small toothless mouths, and cylindrical bodies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Cool, oligotrophic lakes and streams of mountainous regions, typically in deep, unproductive waters ranging from 7 to 92 meters deep, though they also occur in some shallow, productive lakes.
  • Currently inhabit only nine lakes in Washington, down from a historical presence in at least 16 lakes.

Key Locations

  • Chester Morse Reservoir (King County), Lake Crescent (Clallam County), Keechelus Reservoir (Kittitas County), and Sullivan Lake (Pend Oreille County).

Specific Spots

  • Deep, unproductive lakes with rocky or gravelly substrates, particularly the deepest portions of lakes at depths greater than 30 meters.

Pygmy Whitefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Pygmy Whitefish in Washington?

Extremely small presentations would be necessary - think micro jigs, tiny bait presentations, or very small lures that can reach significant depths.

When is the best time to fish for Pygmy Whitefish in Washington?

Best fishing opportunities occur during periods when water temperatures remain consistently cold. Avoid fishing during their spawning period from late summer through early winter when they move to shallower gravel areas.

How do you catch Pygmy Whitefish in Washington?

Deep-water trolling with very small lures or bait rigs designed to reach the 30+ meter depths they prefer would be the most viable approach. Specialized techniques are required that have only recently allowed biologists to pinpoint their distribution.

What do Pygmy Whitefish eat?

Feed on crustaceans, aquatic insect larvae and pupae, fish e.g.gs, and small mollusks.

Where do Pygmy Whitefish live in Washington?

Cool, oligotrophic lakes and streams of mountainous regions, typically in deep, unproductive waters ranging from 7 to 92 meters deep, though they also occur in some shallow, productive lakes. Currently inhabit only nine lakes in Washington, down from a historical presence in at least 16 lakes.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Pygmy Whitefish.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Pygmy Whitefish water

    Pick Pygmy Whitefish and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Pygmy Whitefish

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Pygmy Whitefish are.

Open the map, filter by Pygmy Whitefish, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Washington licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Washington waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.