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Lake Whitefish

Lake Whitefish

Lake Whitefish are native members of the trout/salmon family found in Wisconsin's deeper, cold lakes that maintain well-oxygenated bottom waters year-round. In Wisconsin's inland lakes, they're found in only about 1.

3% of waters statewide - primarily in the northern third of the state with nine lake systems historically supporting populations.

Scientific Name: Coregonus clupeaformis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These cool-water fish typically measure 14-26 inches and weigh 1-7 pounds, with maximum sizes reaching 30 inches and over 12 pounds.
  • They have a distinctive small head with a subterminal mouth that overhangs the lower jaw, allowing bottom feeding, plus an olive to pale-green back with silvery-white sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Wisconsin's deeper, cold lakes that maintain well-oxygenated bottom waters year-round.
  • Primarily in the northern third of the state with nine lake systems historically supporting populations.

Key Locations

  • Franklin Lake in Forest County, the Manitowish Lake Chain in Vilas County, Trout Lake in Vilas County, and Whitefish Lake in Sawyer County.
  • Focus efforts on the northern third of Wisconsin where populations are most viable.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky bottoms covered in zebra mussels in 5-100+ feet of water, as whitefish follow gobies that feed in these areas.
  • They spawn in shallow waters 2-4 meters deep over rubble and gravel substrates.

Lake Whitefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jigging spoons with at least one 'slider hook' above the spoon separated by a barrel swivel, with all hooks tipped with wax worms. Small jigs work well, particularly gold tungsten jigs and gold hammered Swedish pimples.

What flies work for Lake Whitefish in Wisconsin?

Prince nymph flies in sizes 14-22 are particularly effective when fly fishing. Small jigs and flies can be effective in open water.

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

Best fishing occurs during winter through the ice and late fall when they move to shallower spawning areas. They spawn from September through January with peak spawning in Wisconsin typically occurring in November-December when water temperatures drop to 5-7°C.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish in Wisconsin?

Use jigging spoons with at least one 'slider hook' above the spoon separated by a barrel swivel. Try weight-forward jigs like Baddboyz jigs - pound these lures 1-2 inches off the bottom, returning to bottom each time.

What do Lake Whitefish eat?

Lake Whitefish are primarily bottom-dwelling fish that feed on aquatic insects, mollusks, amphipods, small crustaceans like Mysis, and occasionally fish e.g.gs.

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