Lake Whitefish
A silvery, deep-water relative of trout and salmon, stocked in a small number of Montana lakes.
- Scientific name
- Coregonus clupeaformis
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Adult size
- Typically 14–20 inches.
Identification
Silvery body, small mouth positioned beneath a rounded snout, and a small adipose fin typical of the salmon family.
Habitat
Cold, deep, well-oxygenated lakes.
Diet
Bottom invertebrates and zooplankton.
Angling
Most often taken incidentally by trout anglers or targeted through the ice.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Lake Whitefish
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Lake Whitefish.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Lake Whitefish is stocked
When Lake Whitefish is stocked
Top Lake Whitefish waters
Frequently asked
Where is Lake Whitefish stocked?
Lake Whitefish is stocked in 2 waters across 1 state: Montana.
When is Lake Whitefish stocked?
Lake Whitefish is typically stocked in winter, most often in February, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Lake Whitefish are stocked?
About 10,789,630 Lake Whitefish have been stocked on record since 1927, across Montana.
What size Lake Whitefish are stocked?
Stocked Lake Whitefish average about 1.0 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana.
What does a Lake Whitefish look like?
Silvery body, small mouth positioned beneath a rounded snout, and a small adipose fin typical of the salmon family.