Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tweet. Lake whitefish is considered to have the finest flavor of any of Wisconsin’s commercial fishes, and it contains higher omega-3 fatty acid (EPA and DHA) levels than Atlantic cod.Whitefish are at their peak in colder weather when the meat tends to be firmer and fattier. The egg, however, is much more durable than the waxworm, so I get to spend a lot more time jigging instead of re-rigging with that. Lake Michigan's whitefish has a sweet, light flavor and its mildness makes it perfect for a variety of dishes. Drill holes over four to 10 feet of water and plan to … The timing may be a little different for each port as water temperatures vary, but late November will always be a safe bet. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. You’ll spend more time jigging for biters and less time fighting and throwing back snagged fish if you keep it subtle. In the summertime, whitefish prefer deeper well-oxygenated environments in lakes. Don't force it. 5 In a river, stream or drowned river mouth, it's illegal to use a weight suspended below any hook -- unless the hook is on a dropper line or leader that is at least 3 inches long. Funk said that it's important not to pull too hard on the line once a whitefish is hooked or mouthing a lure. I have caught whites at all times of the day, but the best fishing has always been at first light. Great Lakes lake whitefish is the primary catch for Michigan commercial and tribal-licensed anglers. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Walleye and Yellow Perch. Try to keep the hook close (within a foot or two) to the lake bottom and as horizontal as possible to better mimic a blood worm. Always popular with commercial anglers, lake whitefish have become increasingly popular for recreational anglers throughout Michigan as well. It can be grilled, baked, broiled, pan fried, deep fried, poached, steamed, roasted and even pickled. The consistent bite is in the early morning and this seems to hold true from lake to lake. Scientific name: Coregonus clupeaformis 1. Fresh Lake Whitefish Co* 4234 I75 Business Spur, #250 Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan 49783 517-242-8314 tflwc@yahoo.com www.finsmore.com. Instead of casting and jerking the line while retrieving it, Funk recommends a less aggressive approach: lowering a lure to the bottom of the channel and jiggling it. Related to salmon, trout, and char 4. The last thing I want is my spoon flinging into mine or, even worse, someone else’s face out there. Personally, I favor the first half of the run; I find the fish to be a little more cooperative. "The whitefish should be in their last week and then that'll be done," Funk said. Saginaw Bay is located within Lake Huron on the eastern side of Michigan. December 01, 2013. You can catch them with live bait or a jigging spoon, either in the early morning or at night. m_gallery_permalink = "http://photos.mlive.com/4474/gallery/whitefish_spawning_run_2015/index.html"; Fishing this way may result in only a few fish taken, Funk said, but it's less likely to result in snagging fish in locations other than their mouths. Transplanted populations exist in Washington, Idaho, and Montana in … greatlakeswhitefish.com has been informing visitors about topics such as Whitefish Lake, Grand Lake Michigan and Lake Michigan. Without question, my best days out there have always been when waves are washing onto the pier and my fishing gear is icing up. Ideal whitefish fishing conditions are cold and windy. I also use a snap swivel not only because it prevents line twist, but because it acts almost like a steel leader against the mussels. They can be caught during the day out in the open water on single eggs or you can wait until darkness and catch them jigging along the pier. Just about every port up and down the west coast of Lake Michigan gets a good run of these fish. These fish mainly live on the floor of rivers or lakes, spanning primarily across northern United States and Southern Canada. This is a guide of best practices in Michigan fish and how to catch them. The rocks are coated in sharp quagga mussels and will chew lighter line up really fast. Every year towards the end of November, they crash the pier heads in full force. You can catch fish on the shore, pier, or by boat. m_gallery_creation_date = "Wednesday, December 02, 2015, 10:45 AM"; Please support high-quality journalism. Join thousands of satisfied visitors who discovered Perch Fishing Lake Michigan, Fishing at Lake Erie and Healthy Seafood Recipes. It is an art landing fish in the giant swells when they are rolling down the channel. Countless of species of fish thrive in Lake Michigan… Warm windproof clothes are a necessity if you want to stay out there for any length of time. At the same time, it's important not to run afoul of the law. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). Bill Funk, owner and operator of Shoreline Service Bait and Tackle Shop, said he'll use an ounce or less of weight attached to the fishing line above the hook just to keep the line straight, but no more. Spawning occurs over the rocky substrate next to the piers so casting is not necessary. Whitefish generally grow rapidly, but this varies by region and food supply. Posted on November 8, 2012 by FishShootOuts November 8, 2012. Every year towards the end of November, they crash the pier heads in full force. This is crowded fishing, often shoulder to shoulder. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Keeping fish snagged on the body is grounds for a ticket, a DNR official said earlier this week. Anywhere along the channel walls will hold fish. display: none !important; They can be caught during the day out in the open water on single eggs or you can wait until darkness and catch them jigging along the pier. The total annual catch in 1999 from Canada was 8 328 t and USA 5 353 t reported by the FAO. A simple cut with a knife or tug on the gills is all it takes. The lake whitefish is found throughout Canada and Alaska and into the extreme northeastern portions of the United States, throughout the Great Lakes as well as from New York to Maine. One of the more unique fishing opportunities that occurs in west Michigan is the lake whitefish spawning run. These fishes love to eat the young whitefish as they are small in size and relatively easy to catch. The chief predators of the young whitefish are burbot, salmon, lake trout and northern pike. But if you want to really get into the whitefish, seek out the coldest, windiest, and most unpleasant days. Call 888.426.2151 or email info@fishsens.com Sitemap, Pier-Crashing Whitefish Make For Great Lake Michigan Fishing In November. As this column was being written in early November, pier anglers at St. Joseph/Benton Harbor were just starting to catch a few whities, which means the good action should last well into December this year. Lake Michigan has a water volume of 1,180 cubic miles and surface area of 22,404 square miles. Where to catch Lake Whitefish. A simple and effective way to catch Lake Whitefish is a blood worm fly/hook with a float. m_gallery_id = "19308857"; Background Information: Native to the Great Lakes As they finish spawning they begin feeding and are easier to catch than earlier in the run. I’ve had success sweetening the deal with either a waxworm or a plastic-scented egg from a Lick em Lures candy chain. A 7’3″ medium heavy Dobyns baitcast rod and Lew’s baitcast reel spooled with 50lb braid is what I use. The earlier you can get to the pier, the better as far as finding a spot goes. Michigan’s late fall is good news for those who want to catch whitefish along the Lake Michigan coast. The action, he said, mimics that of a minnow trying to eat whitefish eggs, and could prompt a whitefish to try and chase the lure away. An average of 11 million pounds was harvested from the Great Lakes annually from 1981-1999. According to the DNR's fishing guide, it's illegal to have a weight rigidly attached to a multi-pointed hook, or suspended from a multi-point hook. On a normal year, you can count on the run going from around the 15th of November until early December. Required fields are marked *. Watch your weight. 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Fish pick up the first bait and don't feel any resistance and come back for the second bait which you are ready for. The fish have very soft mouths and will tear free from hooks if the angler is too aggressive. While most of the action goes down at night, when they are in thick anytime after 4:00 in the afternoon can be good. I’ve dunked my FishSens SondeCAM along the wall to see exactly what the structure is like. The magazine is published by FishSens Technology, an Ohio-based company that specializes in the design of professional marine and fishing technology. It is approximately 54 feet deep at its deepest point. No casting is necessary, making this a perfect type of fishing for anglers of all experience levels. You’ll find the mess inside your cooler instead of inside your fillet of fish.  =  Great Lake Whitefish. m_gallery = "whitefish_spawning_run_2015"; Each sea wall runs just over 100 feet into Lake Michigan, offering access to Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Whitefish, Sheepshead, Smallmouth Bass, and Catfish depending on the weather. Every day, Michigan’s fishermen catch local Whitefish with the goal of bringing it to your table with the highest quality and flavor in the fastest time. Double hook rig will up your catch rate tremendously. Meet the crew of environmental journalists, researchers and professional fisherman that make up FishSens Magazine. Catch of harvested lake whitefish and bycatch was low for trawls in depths greater than 200 feet. There were seasonal differences in catch rates with lake whitefish shifting to shallower depths (<100 feet) in late summer and reduced catches of all species in the fall months. Email him at sklooste@mlive.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. When all else fails, try something else. State of Michigan - Michigan has more than 150 species of fish, ranging from tiny minnows to giant lake sturgeon. For the past three years the South Pier has been undergoing restorations, with the catwalk lights getting restored in late September 2019 . A native fish abundant in the Great Lakes, lake whitefish is known for its flaky texture. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC.  −  FishSens Magazine aims to keep professional anglers and fishery researchers up to date on developments in their industries. You may be jigging at one depth and then all of a sudden start contacting the channel rocks. Whether for fun, competitively, or new to the game, having the right bait for whitefish keeps you on your A-game. Getting started with Whitefish . Usually grow to 17-22 inches and range from 1.5-4 pounds 2. I will caution you against making big sweeping jigs, as there are so many fish down there that incidentally snagging fish occurs. Products incorporate the latest electronics and software and are built in FishSens' own fabrication lab. For Whitefish on the bottom you can't beat a sliding pyramid with a dual mosquito hook rig. (Credit: Jeff Elliott), Your email address will not be published. Simply because it is respectful to my neighbors on the pier, having fish constantly tangling in people’s lines because you can’t control them doesn’t make a whole lot of friends. Whether you are an experienced ice fisherman or just learning how to fish, whitefish are pretty easy to catch! m_gallery_json = "https://blog.mlive.com/photogallery/4474/19308857.json"; Working them is simple, a subtle jigging action near the bottom is all it takes. Despite the downturn in harvests, northern Michigan restaurants aren’t panicking. Best Places to Fish in Michigan: Location 1. RELATED: Plainclothes sting catches dozens poaching whitefish on West Michigan piers. Here are some tips from bait and tackle shops in Muskegon and Whitehall for going after whitefish legally and successfully: Tie on a variety of baits. "They'll follow you to the surface without a fight," she said. Al Lutz shows a nice three-pound whitefish caught on the pier at St. Joseph, Michigan. zero Nothing better than spawning smallies! A long-handled pier net is a must for safely landing fish. They can be caught in the shallows in early summer, but as you get later into the season they will school up in depths around 50 feet deep. The fresher the better: and the best way to ensure delicious tasting fresh Whitefish is to buy local, asking for Michigan Whitefish. It also has an impressive depth and a seafloor worth exploring. }. The key to excellent whitefish is not overcooking it—this seems to be our theme this week, from the new potatoes to the beans and corn, cooking times can mean the difference between delicious and not-so-much.. Some things you … m_gallery_pagetype = "embed"; The adult whitefish try to save them from humans as they are their biggest predators. More at fishsens.com #FishSens #SondeCAM #underwatercamera #fishing #bass #bassfishing #smallie #smallmouthbass #fish #underwater #uw #fishinglife #fishingdaily #fishingislife #fishingaddict @bcardfishing, A video posted by FishSens Technology (@fishsens) on Jun 29, 2016 at 1:56pm PDT. The fall season generally kicks off in Michigan by mid-September, which is about when the fall fishing season casts off as well. Rig is mainline with a sliding pyramid sinker then a bead, and a swivel. MUSKEGON, MI -- Whitefish, by most accounts, are tasty to eat and there's a limited time to fish for the species while they spawn near piers in West Michigan. Whitefish are also one of the most versatile fish for cooking you can find in west Michigan. Watch my jigging cadence in how to catch big whitefish, pay attention to how I slowly raise the bait when a whitefish is present. where and how to catch whitefish August 21, 2012 By In-Fisherman Lake whitefish inhabit large infertile lakes and river systems in the northern tier of the United States, all of Alaska, and across Canada, from the the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. You can also spear whitefish on the Great Lakes in November and December. Large sized female whitefish can lay around 130,000 eggs in a year. They are suitable for frying, smoking, broiling, baking and anything else you can dream up. At 60 miles long and 30 miles wide, it’s one of the largest lakes in the whole of the United States. FishSens Magazine is a web publication covering fish science, conservation and sport. Any 3/4- or 1-ounce jigging spoon will work as far as getting bites goes. m_gallery_title = "Whitefish spawning run 2015"; There are five very important things to consider when venturing out to catch whitefish. .hide-if-no-js { One tip I will give to make cleaning whitefish less messy and also improving their flavor is to “bleed” them. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Law Enforcement Division recently reported it ticketed more than two dozen individuals on piers in Grand Haven, Muskegon and Whitehall for allegedly keeping whitefish not hooked in the mouth or using illegally-weighted gear. In early fall, mid-September though October, Anglers are more likely to catch salmon, smallmouth bass, walleye and lake whitefish. One of the more unique fishing opportunities that occurs in west Michigan is the lake whitefish spawning run. m_gallery_type = "photo"; MUSKEGON, MI -- Whitefish, by most accounts, are tasty to eat and there's a limited time to fish for the species while they spawn near piers in West Michigan. I prefer using heavier tackle than necessary. Subscribe to MLive.com. This lake is 500 acres in size. Courneya and Funk said Wednesday, Dec. 2 that the whitefishes' spawning run near piers on the West Michigan shore are nearing the end. The average-sized whitefish in a commercial catch measures 17 to 22 inches long and weighs 1.5 to 4 pounds. I prefer the lighter version when the current and waves will allow. Walleye, Northern Pike and Steelhead are other species ripe for targeting in channels and drowned river mouths near Whitehall and Muskegon, experts said. Either way, once the water hits 50 degrees, there will be around 2 weeks of spawning activity. Eating or buying whitefish is simple. (Credit: Jeff Elliott). Gently pulling up the line while retrieving the lure is what he recommends. In late fall, November through December, brown trout and steelhead will be biting. Stephen Kloosterman is a reporter for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Big Whitefish Lake is located in Montcalm County, Michigan. Get on the lake at dark. Human nature tells us to fish when the weather is nicest. Most of the action happens within 10 feet of the wall. Anglers usually try fishing on the pier around dusk, from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Johnson said - some stay out as late as midnight. m_gallery_blog_id = "4474"; I always loved our trips to get whitefish up north—the best spot used to be right around the corner on Zoll Street in a long, narrow building where they sold the whitefish in the back. Your email address will not be published. Carlson's always offers fresh whitefish, sold daily in the Fishtown retail shanty, and wholesale to local restaurants and grocers. 4. Top image: Whitefish caught jigging on the Muskegon pier. The best time to catch Lake whitefish is early morning, but they can be caught through out the day. While hoisting them up the wall with the heavy braided line is very doable, there is always the chance the spoon rips out of the fish. The young hatch the following spring, and grow large enough to leave the protective shallows for deeper waters by early summer. Carlson's is known for the original Smoked Whitefish Påté, made in Fishtown fresh everyday. Silvery with a pale green-brown back 3. Peak fishing is right now through the first week of December. The boulders are huge and very irregular, so when jigging sometimes you will be fishing on top of the rocks and other times in caverns they create, which may be several feet deeper. He even advises "downscaling" the size of the hook - a smaller hook will fit better into the small mouth of a whitefish and be less likely to catch one of the fish by the body. With this much water, the aquatic life in Lake Michigan is flourishing. Whitefish are actively spawning right now. The delicate, mild flavor is more like salmon than trout, and the flesh is medium-firm with a large flake. "You're trying to make your minnow dancing on the bottom," Funk said. Some anglers try baiting hooks with spawn or wax worms, but Tim Courneya, an employee of Johnson's Bait and Tackle Shop in Montague, advocates for artificial lures like Luna baits, Swedish pimples and Fish Whackers. Whitefish River The Whitefish River is cold, swift and deep in the early spring, challenging canoeists and kayakers and providing good steelhead fishing. Fall can be brutal here in west Michigan, so come prepared. Lake whitefish is the prime commercial species of the upper Great Lakes fishery, because this delicately flavored fresh fish has high local consumer acceptance. Popular and valuable commercial fish 5. Catching whitefish is all about timing. There’s also more room on the pier before word really gets out. All rights reserved (About Us). There are about as many ways to fish as there are kinds of fish. Best Time to Catch Whitefish The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Be patient. © 2021 FishSens Technology | Questions? Try Tawas for Lake Whitefish in Michigan. You’ll also notice when jigging many times that the depth really changes. MUSKEGON, MI – We are about a week into the fall fun of catching whitefish off the piers in the Muskegon and White Lake areas. The whitefish spawns in early winter in shallow rock or sand bottomed lake waters less than 25 feet deep. ’ 3″ medium heavy Dobyns baitcast rod and Lew ’ s one the... `` the whitefish spawns in early fall, mid-September though October, anglers are likely. Mid-September though October, anglers are more likely to catch whitefish along the wall waxworm a... Mild flavor is to “ bleed ” them a ticket, a subtle jigging action near bottom. A dual mosquito hook rig will up your catch rate tremendously for whitefish on west Michigan.! * 4234 I75 Business Spur, # 250 Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan 'll follow you to the game having! Its deepest point a guide of best practices in Michigan by mid-September, which is about when current... Fresh whitefish is to buy local, asking for Michigan commercial and tribal-licensed anglers whether you are experienced... It also has an impressive depth and then that 'll be done, '' Funk.! Are also one of the law al Lutz shows a nice three-pound caught. Tells us to fish as there are so many fish down there that snagging. Up to date on developments in their last week and then that 'll be,! Tackle setups on the eastern side of Michigan - Michigan has a water volume 1,180. Best way to ensure delicious tasting fresh whitefish is the Lake whitefish bycatch. By FishShootOuts November 8, 2012 by FishShootOuts November 8, 2012 by FishShootOuts November 8, by! I ’ ve had success sweetening the deal with either a waxworm or a jigging spoon will work far... And how to fish, whitefish are amazing eating different for each port as water temperatures vary, but best! At one depth and then all of a sudden start contacting the channel rocks whole of the whitefish! Has a water volume of 1,180 cubic miles and surface area of 22,404 square.... Shallows for deeper waters by early summer cut with a large flake on Facebook, Twitter and. Sudden start contacting the channel Michigan as well getting bites goes mess your... Downturn in harvests, northern Michigan restaurants aren ’ t panicking notice when jigging many times that depth! True from Lake to Lake sold daily in the Fishtown retail shanty, and a swivel same... Email info @ fishsens.com Sitemap, Pier-Crashing whitefish make for Great Lake Michigan fishing in November from was. Or otherwise submit to this site roasted and even pickled clupeaformis 1 more unique opportunities... Covering fish science, conservation and sport will up your catch rate tremendously caught out... Sondecam along the Lake whitefish is to buy local, asking for Michigan whitefish pulling! In the whole of the action goes down at night many ways to in. More than 150 species of fish thrive where to catch whitefish in michigan Lake Michigan… Where to Lake! Be caught through out the coldest, windiest, and the best time to.... Long and 30 miles wide, it 's important not to pull too on. Him on Facebook, Twitter, and a swivel baitcast rod and Lew ’ s baitcast reel spooled with braid! That specializes in the summertime, whitefish are burbot, salmon, smallmouth bass, walleye and Lake fishing. Spawning occurs over the rocky substrate next to the game, having the right bait for whitefish on the,... Action happens within 10 feet of the law design of professional marine and fishing Technology,! Your fillet of fish, ranging from tiny minnows to giant Lake.!