Whitefish

The Whitefish is sometimes referred to as a "humpback" fish due to its disproportionately small head in comparison to the length of its body. On average, Whitefish weigh around 4 lbs (2 kg). They can grow to 31 inches but are more frequently seen around 20 inches in length.

Whitefish caught at Andorra Lodge

Where to Find Whitefish

Whitefish are cool water fish. They are found in many inland lakes and they have been known to enter brackish waters (where saltwater and freshwater meet) as well. They are found throughout much of Canada and parts of the northern United States, including all of the 5 Great Lakes.

Understanding Whitefish Behavior

Whitefish like cold water. They spawn around the first ice on shoals where Northern Pike will quickly chase them into shallow water. There they will predominantly feed on crustaceans and insects. Whitefish like to feed along the bottom of the drop-off near the shore where a nice shelf forms. In the summer, they can be seen on the shoal on the lake side of a weed bed (as opposed to the shore-side) and use the bottom edge of the drop-off to congregate where there is an inflow, bringing a steady supply of nutrients to support their prey and of course the prey themselves .

How to Catch Whitefish

Many anglers enjoy catching Whitefish in the months of June, July and early August. A simple line and jig is adequate enough to catch the fish as they feast on mayflies and midges. In winter months, catching Whitefish through the ice is very popular as well. Effective ice fishing techniques include using a jigging spoon, with one or more "slider hooks" above and separated from the spoon with a barrel swivel. All hooks are then tipped with wax worms. Be sure to check to local/provincial websites for the specific conservation guidelines and regulations

Cold Water Whitefish

Top Fishing Trips for Whitefish

Pasha Lake Cabins

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

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Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge

238 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $4,000 to $5,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $3,000 to $4,000 Per Person

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Baker's Narrow Lodge

125 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

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Pine Cliff Lodge

62 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

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Manotak Lodge

49 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

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Andy Myers Lodge

44 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

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Ravenscroft Lodge

35 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

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Gowganda Lake Lodge

33 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

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Cobham River Lodge and Outposts

28 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $2,000 to $3,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $2,000 to $3,000 Per Person

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Loch Island Lodge

26 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

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Sleepy Dog Cabins

24 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

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Big Bear Camp

22 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

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Stanley's Resort

20 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

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Papa John's Cottages

17 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

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Clark's Resorts and Outposts

15 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

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White Pine Lodge

14 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

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Beauchene Wilderness Lodge

10 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

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Howey Bay Resort and Outposts

10 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $750 to $1,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

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Watson's Kaby Lodge

10 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person

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Blue Haven Lodge

9 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

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Alwaki Lodge

8 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

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Dogskin Lake Lodge and Outposts

5 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $2,000 to $3,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $2,000 to $3,000 Per Person

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Cedar Lake Lodge

2 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

6 - 7 Days: $500 to $750 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

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Northwinds Canadian Outfitters

6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

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Cree River Lodge

6 - 7 Days: $4,000 to $5,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $3,000 to $4,000 Per Person

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Three Lakes Camp

6 - 7 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person

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Boreal Camps

6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person

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Wolf Bay Lodge

6 - 7 Days: $3,000 to $4,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $3,000 to $4,000 Per Person

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Pilot's Lodge

6 - 7 Days: $1,000 to $1,500 Per Person

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Lake Baptiste Lodge

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Whitefish

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Where to Find Whitefish

Understanding Whitefish Behavior

How to Catch Whitefish

Cold Water Whitefish

Top Fishing Trips for Whitefish