Mountain Whitefish

Description
Mountain whitefish have large scales, no spots, and small mouths without teeth. Generally, the body is a bronze-white or greenish-white color.

Mountain whitefish are native to many of the waters of Idaho. Usually they live in rivers, moving in large groups or schools from pool to pool. Adult mountain whitefish undertake spawning migrations in the fall and feeding migrations in the spring.

These fish are more flexible in their environmental requirements than other cold-water sport fishes. They have maintained large populations in most Idaho rivers and streams. Large hydroelectric reservoirs often provide suitable habitat for these fish, and large populations are often present.

Life History
Mountain whitefish spawn in the fall over river gravel or the gravel along the lake shores. Spawning usually occurs at night during October or November. No nest is built. The eggs and milt are just deposited on the stream bottom. The eggs hatch in early to mid-March.

When they hatch the young fish are extremely small. They are almost clear. When they grow to be about 1.5 inches long, they may move away from the shallow edge of the waterway. They may live in lakes or rivers, but are rarely found in small streams. Mountain whitefish mature within 3 or 4 years and may live to be almost 20 years old.

Feeding Habits
Mountain whitefish feed primarily on bottom-dwelling aquatic insects. They also feed on terrestrial insects on the surface. It is rare, but they have been known to eat fish eggs and other smaller fish.

Angling Techniques
Mountain whitefish provide a good fight if taken on light line. Natural bait, such as worms, maggots, or the larvae of bottom-dwelling insects (such as stone fly nymphs), are usually good choices of terminal gear. They will take both wet and dry flies, but take nymphs consistently. Most anglers seek whitefish during the winter. Some whitefish are caught through the ice in lakes using a small plain baited hook.