Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)

Category: Fish
Common names: Sault whitefish, Gizzard fish, Common whitefish, Eastern whitefish, Great Lakes whitefish, Humpback whitefish, Inland whitefish, Whitefish

Description and Range

Physical description

On average, the lake whitefish weighs only 4 pounds. They can grow to 31 inches and commonly reach 20 inches. Lake whitefish are found throughout much of Canada and parts of the northern United States, including all of the Great Lakes.

How to fish for lake whitefish

Fishing prospects calendar

Fishing for Lake Whitefish peaks during the summer as fish congregate in large schools over the deepest portions of the reservoir. There is a slight lull in October as fish transition to spawning areas. Fishing success peaks again in early to mid-December as fish congregate along the shoreline to spawn.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

State record

WeightAnglerLocationDate Caught
7.86 lbs Gavin Boggs Lake Roosevelt, Grant County February 11, 2023

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