Mountain Whitefish
A native western relative of trout, common in the same cold rivers as trout but often overlooked by anglers targeting more colorful species.
- Scientific name
- Prosopium williamsoni
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Adult size
- Typically 10–16 inches.
Identification
Silvery, cylindrical body with a small mouth beneath a blunt snout and an adipose fin, like other salmonids.
Habitat
Cold, clear rivers and streams, often in the same runs and riffles used by trout.
Diet
Aquatic insect larvae, drifting along the bottom.
Angling
Increasingly targeted by fly anglers as a light-tackle challenge; frequently caught incidentally while trout fishing.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Mountain Whitefish
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Mountain 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 Mountain Whitefish is stocked
When Mountain Whitefish is stocked
Top Mountain Whitefish waters
Flathead Lake
14 species · 1161 records
Last stocked October 1997
Big Creek
6 species · 237 records
Last stocked August 1995
Ogden River S Fork
6 species · 191 records
Last stocked April 2008
Young Creek
2 species · 70 records
Last stocked July 1996
Fivemile Creek
3 species · 52 records
Last stocked August 1995
Sutton Creek
2 species · 9 records
Last stocked February 1976
Cripple Horse Creek
2 species · 8 records
Last stocked February 1976
Bristow Creek
2 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 1980
Frequently asked
Where is Mountain Whitefish stocked?
Mountain Whitefish is stocked in 8 waters across 2 states: Montana, Utah.
When is Mountain Whitefish stocked?
Mountain Whitefish is typically stocked in winter, most often in February, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Mountain Whitefish are stocked?
About 20,921,560,279 Mountain Whitefish have been stocked on record since 1972, across Montana, Utah.
What size Mountain Whitefish are stocked?
Stocked Mountain Whitefish average about 53.3 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana — not every state reports sizes.
What does a Mountain Whitefish look like?
Silvery, cylindrical body with a small mouth beneath a blunt snout and an adipose fin, like other salmonids.