The roundtail whitefish can be found in deep, cold freshwater locations in the northern U.S. and Canada. The best methods for catching them are spin casting, fly fishing, and still fishing. The best time to target them is in the early spring and late fall when they tend to move to shallower waters.
Habitat: Lake, Pond, River
How to identify Round Whitefish
The roundtail whitefish has a roundish midsection and silvery-white tail. Its body is long and thin with a light olive-brown coloring. These fish have scales with black edging, which are more pronounced along the back. During spawning, the roundtail whitefish’s bottom fins are orange colored, but amber at other times. Their adipose fins have characteristic brown spots.
Where to catch Round Whitefish
In the U.S., these fish are mostly found in the northeast and northwest. They are most prevalent in Maine, Alaska, New Hampshire, and New York. They’re also plentiful in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Ontario. They live in rivers, lakes, streams, and tributaries. They tend to stick to deeper waters where it is colder.
The following are habitats where you can catch Round Whitefish:
- Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
- Current Edges
- Dams and Falls
- Drop-offs
- Gradual Shores
- Lake and Pond Fishing Holes
- Islands or Sand Bars
- Open Water
- Outside of Bends
- Overhanging Trees and Bushes
- Points and Break Lines
- Rivers and Streams
- Rock and Boulder Pockets
- Rocks
- Shoreline Shallows
- Small Pointed Waves
- Springs Holes
- Undercut Banks
How to catch Round Whitefish
Roundtail whitefish are easiest to catch when they are in shallower waters. The best times to fish for them are from April to May and from October to November because this is when they tend to be in the shallowest locations. Most anglers fish for them with a light rod and reel, using small hooks. The best methods to use for catching the roundtail whitefish are fly fishing, spin casting, and still fishing.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Round Whitefish:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Round Whitefish
Anglers generally use baits and small flies to catch roundtail whitefish.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Round Whitefish:
