Ice Fishing Whitefish
A member of the salmonoid family, whitefish were often overlooked by anglers ice anglers in the North country — but not anymore in many parts of the country. These hard-fighting fish are fun to catch, make a great table fare, and can often be found in large schools.
Whitefish inhabit deep, cold, clearwater lakes and can be found in many lakes across the Great Lakes region and are widely dispersed throughout Canada. Most whitefish caught are typically between one and six pounds, although some state records exceed 12 pounds and the world record came from Lake Superior, weighing in at an amazing 42.67 lbs.
Tactics for Ice Fishing Whitefish
Whitefish have incredible eyesight and love to chase lures. Therefore, one of the best ways to attract and trigger strikes is to get them to chase your bait. For instance, when I’m ice fishing whitefish, I always try to keep raising the bait up, enticing the fish to follow. Nothing happened? Drop back down and start working the bait on the rise again.
Throughout the winter months whitefish can be found anywhere in the water column. Sometimes they will show up at the bottom and other times they may only be a foot or two below the ice. Due to the whitefish’s nature to roam a good rule of thumb is to work your bait in five to ten foot increments.
Start by dropping your bait to the bottom and work it there. After jigging your bait in that zone for a couple minutes, reel it up about ten feet and work that part of the water column. Continue this until you reach the top of the ice and then repeat the process until you see a whitefish on your electronics.
Location
Whitefish are a coldwater species that spend most of their time in the deepwater basins throughout the open water season. During the winter months whitefish can be found anywhere. Deepwater basins, mid-lake reefs, and shallow weed flats are all potential locations for whitefish.
Choosing a starting point should be dictated by the forage whitefish commonly consume in that particularly body of water. As an example if the lake you are fishing has a lot of soft-bottom basins those whitefish will typically feed on bloodworms and other invertebrates. A good starting point would be along the edge of a deep basin. When whitefish are really active they tend to suspend high in the water column and are easy to see on your electronics. Whitefish tend to cruise around in small groups of two to five fish.
Look for the transition from hard to soft bottom between twenty-five and thirty-five feet of water. Those transitional areas create a natural highway whitefish will cruise along.
If the lake your are fishing has a large minnow forage base whitefish tend to use shallow weed beds, humps, and rock reefs that are adjacent to deepwater. The key is to find shallow water spots that have access to deepwater. Other key spots include sharp drop-offs, funeral areas, or deep isolated holes. Good walleye spots can often be good whitefish spots.
Baits for Ice Fishing Whitefish
Whitefish are a curious fish that feed on invertebrates and small baitfish. They have a small downward facing mouth and can be tricky to hook, but they are a few baits that have proven themselves throughout the years as great options when ice fishing whitefish.
The first is the Rapala Jigging Rap. This reactionary bait is a great option especially when whitefish are feeding primarily on small perch and other small minnow species. When ice fishing for whitefish the best size Rapala Jigging Rap is a three of five. However, if the fish is in the right mood they have no problem hitting the larger sized Jigging Raps like a seven or size nine.
Another great option when ice fishing whitefish is a small tungsten jig paired with a wax worm or plastic. The Northland Tungsten Mud Bug Jig or Clam Drop-Kick Jig are two good jig options. Small tungsten jigs work particularly well when whitefish are feeding near the bottom on bloodworms, mayfly larvae, and other invertebrates.
A attractor spoon with a dropper is another great presentation when ice fishing whitefish. A large, flashy 1/2-ounce spoon with a twelve inch leader connected to a small tungsten jig tipped with a few wax worms is hard for whitefish to resist.
Top Destinations for Ice Fishing Whitefish
There are plenty of goof whitefish lakes across North America but if you are want to catch a bunch whitefish through the ice then Green Bay should be on the top of your list. Anglers fishing Green Bay can expect consistent whitefish action throughout the ice season.
Lake Superior is another popular ice fishing destination for anglers. Most of the bays on Lake Superior freeze each winter and anglers who venture out run into some giant schools of whitefish. It’s reality common to have whitefish action all day on Lake Superior.
If you are looking for lake with lots of big whitefish then Lake Simcoe is your spot. Located just north of Toronto, Ontario this large, deep lake is full of big whitefish. Whitefish exceeding eight pounds are caught each winter on Lake Simcoe.
FAQ’s
1. Are whitefish good to eat?
Yes. They have a white, oily meat that is suited well for smoking.
2. What is the best way to cook whitefish?
Whitefish are delicious when smoked, but they can also be boil, baked, or fried.
3. What are the best color baits for whitefish.
Bright, flashy colors tend to work the best. Blue chrome, UV perch, and pink are the top color baits for whitefish.
4. What is the best time of day to fish when ice fishing whitefish?
Whitefish rely heavily on their eyesight when hunting. Often the best time to catch whitefish is the morning into the early afternoon.
5. What is the best depth when ice fishing whitefish?
Thirty to forty feet of water is typically a good starting depth. Depending on the lake you are fishing you may have to more deeper or shallower.
Conclusion
Ice Fishing whitefish is a great way to spend a winters day. Whitefish are very active during the winter months making them a great option for those anglers looking to chase a unique, hard-fighting fish. With a handful of spoons and a couple minnows you can have a great day on the ice.
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