Bonneville Cisco
Prosopium gemmifer
A small, slender silver whitefish found nowhere on earth but Bear Lake on the Idaho-Utah border, the Bonneville cisco is the lake's signature fish. Rarely longer than seven or eight inches, it has a streamlined trout-like body, a small mouth, an adipose fin and large silvery scales over an olive-green back. Each January and early February huge spawning schools crowd the eastern shore, where anglers famously scoop them with dip nets through the ice in one of Idaho's most distinctive fisheries. In Idaho waters of Bear Lake the cisco daily limit is 30.
Endemic to the cold, deep, blue waters of Bear Lake; spends most of the year in open water and moves to rocky eastern shorelines to spawn in mid-winter.
How to Catch Bonneville Cisco
Whether you're new to targeting Bonneville Cisco or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Bonneville Cisco (Prosopium gemmifer) is typically found in lake water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Bonneville Cisco average around 7 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Bonneville Cisco in the USA & Canada
Bonneville Cisco is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Idaho. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Bonneville Cisco, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Bonneville Cisco Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Bonneville Cisco 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 Bonneville Cisco populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Bonneville Cisco
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Bonneville Cisco is recorded:
Bonneville Cisco Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Bonneville Cisco:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Bonneville Cisco?
Bonneville Cisco (Prosopium gemmifer) is typically found in lake water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Bonneville Cisco get?
Mature Bonneville Cisco average around 7 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 Bonneville Cisco in the USA and Canada?
Bonneville Cisco is reported across North American waters, including spots in Idaho. 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 Bonneville Cisco?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Bonneville Cisco vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.