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Lake Whitefish Native

🔬 Coregonus clupeaformis

One of the most important commercial and sport fish in the Great Lakes. Silver-white with a small head and subterminal (underslung) mouth. Schools in cold, open water. Prized eating fish -- the whitefish served in Great Lakes ports is almost always this species. Historically one of the most abundant Great Lakes fishes before overfishing and sea lamprey decimated populations.

1-4 lbs, 14-22 inches
Typical size
14 lbs 12 oz
Michigan record
Fall, Winter
Best season
53
Listed lakes

Full stocking history & restocking forecasts with Fishing+

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🏆 Michigan record 14 lbs 12 oz ·Darrell Myers ·Lake Michigan ·Benzie County ·1983 All records →

📅 Best Times to Fish Lake Whitefish

Jan
Good
Feb
Good
Mar
Good
Apr
Good
May
Fair
Jun
Fair
Jul
Fair
Aug
Fair
Sep
Good
Oct
Excellent
Nov
Excellent
Dec
Excellent

❄️ Lake Whitefish is a popular ice fishing target in Michigan.

🛡 Lake Whitefish Conservation Status

Native Lake Whitefish is native to Michigan waters. Native Great Lakes species. Populations severely depleted by sea lamprey predation and overfishing in the mid-20th century. Now recovering under MDNR and Great Lakes Fishery Commission management. Important subsistence and charter fishing target in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. The daily bag limit is 25.

🌿 Lake Whitefish Habitat & Behavior

Cold, deep Great Lakes water and select cold northern Michigan inland lakes. Found at 30-200+ feet in summer. Moves shallower in fall to spawn on rocky shoals. DNR records show Lake Whitefish present in 53 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Antrim, Allegan and Iron counties. Bite activity rates Good or better in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec. Lake Whitefish is a viable ice fishing target in Michigan.

🎣 Best Lake Whitefish Techniques

Jigging small spoons, Swedish Pimples, or jigging Rapalas in deep water; small bait flies and nymphs; ice fishing with tiny tube jigs tipped with wax worm near bottom

🪱 Best Lake Whitefish Baits

Small jigs, emerald shiners, minnows, spawn bags, ice flies

📋 Lake Whitefish Fishing Regulations in Michigan

25
Daily limit
50
Possession limit
Year-round
Season

Excellent table fish. Primarily found in Great Lakes and some deep inland lakes. Ice fishing through hard water is highly productive.

⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually. Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.

🌊 Where to Catch Lake Whitefish in Michigan

Lake County Population
Barber Creek Allegan Good
Big Glen Lake Leelanau Good
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
 Cheboygan Good
Carp River Mackinac Good
Carp River Marquette Good
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
 Charlevoix Good
Chicagon Lake Iron Good
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
 Benzie Good
Eight Point Lake Clare Good
Glen Lake
4,944 acres
 Leelanau Good
Golden Lake Iron Good
Higgins Lake
9,600 acres
 Roscommon Good
Indian Lake
8,689 acres
 Schoolcraft Good
Jordan River Antrim Good
Lake Gogebic
13,380 acres
 Gogebic Good
Lake Huron - Cheboygan Good
Lake Huron, Harrisville Alcona Good
Lake Huron, Oscoda Iosco Good
Lake Leelanau
8,562 acres
 Leelanau Good
Lake Michigamme
4,149 acres
 Marquette Good
Michigan Fishing DNR Stocking Record Verified Data
SpeciesLake Whitefish
Quantity101,980 fish
StockedFeb 5, 2024
Lake Jordan River, Antrim Co.

📋 Lake Whitefish Stocking Events by Lake

Date Lake County Quantity Size
13 more recent stocking events available with Fishing+
See what's been stocked recently, including lake, quantity, and size.
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Jun 26, 2024 Pine River Lake 45,421 3.4"
Jun 11, 2024 Lake Michigan Allegan 19,589 2.5"
Jun 11, 2024 Lake Michigan Antrim 19,589 2.5"
Apr 4, 2024 Lake Michigan Allegan 644 5.6"
Apr 4, 2024 Lake Michigan Antrim 644 5.6"
Feb 5, 2024 Jordan River Antrim 101,980 —
Aug 24, 2023 Lake Michigan Allegan 24,546 2.1"
Aug 24, 2023 Lake Michigan Antrim 24,546 2.1"
May 18, 2023 Pine River Lake 2,437 1.6"
May 18, 2023 Pine River Midland 2,437 1.6"
Nov 26, 2022 Carp River Mackinac 89,498 —
Nov 26, 2022 Carp River Marquette 89,498 —
Most valuable for Lake Whitefish anglers
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Full stocking history across all 14 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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See which Michigan lakes are likely to be stocked with Lake Whitefish next — view the stocking forecast →

📋 Quick Lake Whitefish Facts

🔗 Resources

🐟 All Fish Species 🎣 MDNR Sport Fishing 🔬 MDNR Fish ID Guide 🪪 Buy a Michigan Fishing License 🎣 Log a catch

💡 Angler Tips for Lake Whitefish

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