Lake Whitefish Description with Destination Fishing Vacations in Canada, fishing lodges, fly fishing, freshwater angling, fishing techniques, saltwater fishing, trout fishing, northern fishing

Lake Whitefish

Photo © 1996-2003 Creative Publishing, International
from the book The Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing

Overview

Lake Whitefish are also known as common whitefish, Great Lakes whitefish, Sault whitefish, humpback whitefish.

This is a very "plastic" species, with different populations taking on slightly different appearances. There are no generally recognized subspecies, but dwarf forms occur in some northern lakes.

In the Great Lakes, lake whitefish sometimes hybridize with ciscoes to produce a cross called mule whitefish, which grow faster and are a much brighter green than either of the parents. Lake whitefish also hybridize with inconnu.

Although they are not the best fighters, lake whitefish are becoming more popular, especially with ice fishermen. They can be caught on small minnows, either live or salted; teardrop jigs baited with waxworms; and small jigging lures. They respond well to chum. On calm summer mornings and evenings, whitefish feed on the surface and be taken with flies.

Eating Habits Primarily bottom feeders, they eat insect larvae, molluscs, fish eggs, and small fish. But during a hatch, they can often be seen taking insects on the surface.

Table Quality

Lake whitefish are the most important commercial species in Canada. The flesh is oily but has excellent flavor. They are popular both fresh and smoked.

World Record

1940 - 14 pounds, 6 ounces, caught in Lake Huron near Meaford, Ontario, in 1984. Much larger whitefish have been taken in nets, including a 42-pounder caught in Lake Superior in 1918.

Whitefish Resorts

Manitoba

Big Whiteshell Lodge Ltd.

Northwest Territories

Hearne Lake Lodge

Ontario

Chapleau Lodge
Cianci's Holiday North Lodge
Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals
Maynard Lake Lodge
O-PEE-CHEE Lake Lodge
Papa John's Place
Sudbury Aviation Ltd.

Saskatchewan

B & L Cabins and Outfitters Ltd.
Cree River Lodge
Minor Bay Camps Ltd.

Yukon

Taylor's Place

Whitefish Books
	The Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing A unique reference guide. The difficult and expensive photography of so many species in diverse locations is a one-time feat that 's unlikely to be repeated..

Back to Fish Species

Species text copyright © 1996-2005 Creative Publishing, International
All other text, photos, & graphics, except where otherwise noted,
copyright © 1996-2005 by Perspective Visuals, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fishing Lines is a trademark of Perspective Visuals, Inc.
Last Update: March 8, 2006

Fishermen have visited this site since 7/10/99