Tactics

Lake Whitefish can sometimes be caught in deep open water during the summer. Try plumbing the depths with a heavily weighted rig and a tiny spoon. Heavy insect hatches (usually Caddis, Mayflies, or Midges) may bring them to the surface, at which time fly tackle becomes very effective. The Giant Mayfly Hexegenia limbata is a known attractor for whitefish, and heavy Hex hatches can drive whitefish into a surface-feeding frenzy.

Ice Fishing for Whitefish

Fishing for Lake Whitefish through the ice is a really fun way to spend a winter day in the northlands. Big whitefish move into very shallow water in the wintertime. We like to set up in about 6-12 feet of water, near a break that drops down to a large area of deep water. If you can find an area with good schools of baitfish, all the better. Whitefish travel the edge of the break, picking off any baitfish they find there. Young-of-the-year perch are a favourite whitefish snack food - I've caught whitefish that were positively stuffed full of tiny yellow perch. We often use crappie minnows for bait, usually suspending two of them - one near the bottom, one suspended several feet up. The higher bait is less likely to be harassed by small perch. I like a plain #8 circle hook, a single split shot, and a small bobber that barely floats.  Some whitefish lakes also hold populations of burbot and lake trout, so a switch from whitefishing to pounding the deeper side of the break with big baits might be a good tactic near sunset.

Chumming up Whitefish

In Canada, die-hard whitefishers also chum for whitefish - which is illegal where I fish, but might be a good option for you if it's allowed in your area. Chum consisting of cooked pasta, salted minnows, rice, barley, oats, or fish eggs can be used to attract whitefish to your area, and to keep them around long enough to catch them. A favorite is cooked macaroni mixed with tapioca and cod liver oil.