Lake Whitefish
Coregonus clupeaformis
A silvery, deep-bodied member of the salmon family prized as a table fish and the backbone of many Great Lakes commercial and recreational fisheries. Lake whitefish feed on the bottom in cold, deep water and are a hugely popular winter target for ice anglers across Ontario.
Cold, deep lake basins; moves shallower to spawn over rocky shoals in late fall.
How to Catch Lake Whitefish
Whether you're new to targeting Lake Whitefish or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) is typically found in lake water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Lake Whitefish average around 18 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Lake Whitefish in the USA & Canada
Lake Whitefish is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Alberta, Indiana, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, Montana, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Washington, Wisconsin, and Yukon. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Lake Whitefish, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Lake Whitefish Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Lake Whitefish vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Lake Whitefish populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Lake Whitefish
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Lake Whitefish is recorded:
- Flathead Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake of the Woods — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Rainy Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lac Seul — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Red Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Nipigon — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Superior — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Temagami — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Manitou — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Georgian Bay — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Simcoe — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Abraham Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Newell — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- St. Mary Reservoir — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Crawling Valley Reservoir — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Pigeon Lake (Alberta) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Gull Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Sylvan Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Buck Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Wabamun Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Cold Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lac La Biche — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Calling Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lesser Slave Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Baptiste Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Wabasca Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Athabasca — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Slave River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Christina Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Diefenbaker — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Last Mountain Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Blackstrap Reservoir — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Echo Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Rafferty Reservoir — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Ministikwan Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Candle Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Emma Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Dore Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Amisk Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lac la Ronge — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Reindeer Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Wollaston Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Cree Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Black Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Winnipegosis — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Shoal Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Child's Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Clearwater Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Reed Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Kississing Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Setting Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Paint Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Cross Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Gods Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Nueltin Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Island Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Réservoir Baskatong — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lac Saint-Jean — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Churchill River (Labrador) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Smallwood Reservoir — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Ashuanipi Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Atikonak Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Big Kalzas Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Earn Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Finlayson Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Simpson Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Aishihik Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Kluane Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Kusawa Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Laberge — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Marsh Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Frances Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Ethel Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Mayo Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Tagish Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Quiet Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Wolf Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Big Salmon Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Atlin Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Dezadeash Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Tatlmain Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Great Slave Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Stark Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Prelude Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Kakisa River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Tathlina Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Mills Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Mackenzie River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lac la Martre — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Aylmer Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Artillery Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Point Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Nonacho Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Great Bear Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Colville Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Great Bear River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Travaillant Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Dolomite Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Husky Lakes — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Baker Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Chena River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Tanana River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Delta Clearwater River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Yukon River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Indiana Waters) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Sebago Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Moosehead Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- East Grand Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Chesuncook Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Chamberlain Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Eagle Lake (Maine) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- St. Marys River (Michigan) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Roosevelt — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Rufus Woods Lake — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Green Bay — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lower Fox River — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Wisconsin Waters) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
- Lake Superior (Wisconsin Waters) — Lake Whitefish fishing water
Lake Whitefish Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Lake Whitefish:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Lake Whitefish?
Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) is typically found in lake water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Lake Whitefish get?
Mature Lake Whitefish average around 18 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Lake Whitefish in the USA and Canada?
Lake Whitefish is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Alberta, Indiana, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, Montana, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Washington, Wisconsin, and Yukon. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Lake Whitefish?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Lake Whitefish vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.