Lake Whitefish

Key Identifying Characteristics:

• Slightly deep-bodied fish
• Back is greenish brown; sides silvery; belly silvery white
• Mouth overhung by snout
• Body oval in cross-section
• 2 flaps of skin between the nostrils
• Deeply forked tail

Distribution/Habitat:

• Lake whitefish are found in the Great Lakes and deep, cold inland lakes throughout Ontario. They are found at great depths, however, in the far North they can be found in shallow lakes.

Angling Tips:

• Although lake whitefish are not a great fighting fish, they are a very popular sportfish, especially with ice anglers. Although they can be caught in the summer, whitefish are most readily caught in the winter and spring in some regions.
• In the early spring, whitefish move into rivers and streams to feed and are found in deeper pools behind spawning beds. They are best caught with small hooks and wax worms. They can be caught with a fly on the surface, particularly where there are large populations of mayflies. During the summer, they move into deeper waters.
• During the late fall and early winter, lake whitefish move to shoals of large lakes and rivers. Unlike many other fish, whitefish will only feed during the day at this time.

Common Baits:

• Small minnows (live or salted)
• Teardrop jigs baited with wax worms
• Small jigging lures