European Whitefish

Whitefish is a cold-water freshwater species with silvery scales. Has a small mouth and delicate flesh. Reaches weights of 10 kg.

Feeds on zooplankton, benthic organisms, larvae, and small mollusks. In large lakes, may switch to small fish.

Most active at 4–14 °C. A cold-water species. Spawns in autumn–winter. Feeds year-round, including through ice. Best bites in autumn and spring.

Holds in deep sections of clean lakes and reservoirs. May form large migratory schools.

Caught on ice jig with bloodworm, small spoons, fly fishing flies, and maggots. Winter jig fishing with bloodworm is the classic method. Summer — fly fishing and ultralight spinning.

Whitefish has a delicate mouth — use fine hooks and a soft strike. In winter on ice jig with bloodworm, it is one of the primary targets in northern ice fishing.