Trout & Salmon
Mountain Whitefish Fishing
A native salmonid of cold, clear Western rivers and mountain lakes, with silver sides, large scales, an adipose fin and a small mouth under the snout. Whitefish eat insect larvae, insects, fish eggs and small fish, and feed most actively in winter, when many anglers seek them. They take nymphs and small flies, and the weak mouth calls for a gentle hook set.
- Waters
- 7
- States
- 4
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Prime Months by State
Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty. States not listed have no prime months from an agency source yet.
What to Use for Mountain Whitefish
Mountain Whitefish
Fly
9 ft 4 or 5 wt rod, floating line, 9 ft 5X or 6X leader, small nymphs under an indicator. Set the hook gently.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodRedington Classic Trout Fly Rod · 9 ft 0 in, 5 weight, 4 pieceCheck Price
- ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 5 and 6 weightCheck Price
- LineRIO Gold Fly Line · 5wt floatingCheck Price
- LeaderRIO Tapered Trout LeadersCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Fly for November · #4-10Stonefly NymphSee Options
Spin / Cast
6 to 7 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 2 to 4 lb line, a small jig or a bead-head nymph under a float where bait and flies on spinning gear are legal.
Rod, Reel and Line
- Rod & ReelUgly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo · 7 ft ultralight rod, size 25 reel, 2 pieceCheck Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 4 or 6 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Bait for November · Single or clusterCured Salmon EggsA single egg on a small hook.
- Bait for November · SmallMaggots
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
