Found in the Alaska, Canada and part of the U.S., the lake whitefish is a popular game fish. It can be caught by spin casting, fly fishing and still fishing with natural baits, like fish eggs, or lures, such as jigs and flies. The lake whitefish is known to be an excellent-tasting fish.
Habitat: Lake, Pond, River
How to identify Lake Whitefish
Lake whitefish are closely related to salmon and trout. They have an overall pearly white/olive body with a light green/brown back. They have a protruding snout that accentuates their subterminal mouth. They have a small head and a long body. They have been nicknamed “humpback” due to a hump that sits just behind the head of older fish.
Where to catch Lake Whitefish
The fish can be found in Alaska, Canada, far northeast regions of the U.S., the Great Lakes, and the eastern seaboard states. The lake whitefish was introduced to the northwest U.S. states of Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Compared to other whitefish, they are larger and more widely distributed. They spawn in November and December in shallow-bottomed areas of lakes.
The following are habitats where you can catch Lake Whitefish:
- Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
- Dams and Falls
- Drop-offs
- Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
- Lake and Pond Fishing Holes
- Islands or Sand Bars
- Open Water
- Overhanging Trees and Bushes
- Rivers and Streams
- Rock and Boulder Pockets
- Springs Holes
- Undercut Banks
How to catch Lake Whitefish
Among whitefish, the lake whitefish is more popular as a game fish and is highly favored for its excellent taste. They are very popular with commercial fishermen, especially in the Great Lakes. They can be caught with a hook and line, or by fly fishing in the spring and winter. During the fall and early winter, they only go out to feed during the day. Another effective method for catching the lake whitefish is floating a small jig near the surface under a float. Anglers simply let the jig drift and slowly reel it back in when it reaches a rocky point or reef. The best methods for catching lake whitefish include fly fishing, spin casting, and still fishing.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Lake Whitefish:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Lake Whitefish
This fish mainly feeds on bottoms but are easily caught using natural baits, such as fish eggs, small fish, and insects. Lures, such as spoons, jigs, and flies are also effective.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Lake Whitefish:
