Lake Whitefish

Habitat

Found in deep, cold lakes throughout Alberta. Bottom feeders that cruise over sandy and muddy substrates. Often school in large numbers. Share habitat with lake trout and cisco.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring: May move shallower. Summer: Deep water, often 30-60 feet. Fall: Moving shallow for spawn (October-November). Winter: Excellent ice fishing target in 20-40 feet.

Fishing Techniques

• Jigging: Small jigs with maggots or wax worms on bottom
• Fly fishing: Small nymphs fished deep
• Bottom fishing: Small hooks with bait on bottom

Best Lures

• Small ice jigs (1/32-1/16 oz)
• Glow jigs for low light
• Small chironomids (fly fishing)
• Flasher/fly combos

Best Bait

• Maggots (spikes)
• Wax worms
• Small minnows
• Shrimp

Alberta Regulations

Generally liberal limits due to abundance. Often 10+ fish daily on many lakes. A great species for filling the freezer. Excellent smoked.

Identification

Silvery body with small, downturned mouth. Adipose fin present. Forked tail. Easily confused with cisco but whitefish have smaller mouths and are more silvery.

Pro Tips

• Whitefish have small mouths—use small hooks (#8-#12)
• They often bite very lightly; sensitive rod tips help
• Ice fishing is often the best way to target them
• Look for schools on electronics; they stack up in winter
• Excellent table fare—smoke or pan fry

Size Information

Average Size: 0.5-1.5 kg (1-3 lb)