Anyone Target Whitefish?

[Bigfishhunter]

Looking to mix things up a bit. I have a lake that I know has a lot of Whitefish in it. My game plan is to head for the deeper water and use a mix bag of tricks. Maybe start with a slip bobber with either a small fly or small jig with a piece of bait suspended in the deeper water. Also want to try small jigs and jigging spoons on the bottom.
Then thought I might try three ways with small spinners or spoons??
Any insight or lures I should be using?

[adempsey]

If you're going to vertical jig, I recommend the Williams Ice Jig model J50 in the Half and Half finish. One of the most productive lures for whitefish I have used. I also use a Badd Boyz jig. Attach a micro-tube on the end and it works amazingly well when you just tick it off the bottom.

I haven't fished for whitefish in the summer much, but have fished them in the spring anchored in 60-70 FOW. Vertical jigging either of the two lures I mentioned worked great.

If you're going to try it, first thing is I would do is identify the thermocline. It's probably around 40-50 FOW, but will depend on the lake. Focus on the fish near the thermocline along a sloping bottom as these should be the ones feeding. Others below the thermocline are most likely less active. Gravel to sand/mud bottom transitions can be good as the whitefish feed on the insect larva. Of course, doesn't hurt to just locate a big school in 80FOW and give it a shot.

I don't have much experience trolling three-way setups for whitefish, but I planned on trying a small floating Rapala, mepps aglia 0/1 spinners, Williams Wabler and some flutter spoons (Mooselook, Sutton). Just never got around to it on my last trip =(.

Good luck!

[Explorer]

Bigfishhunter

We have fished in Montana with good success using 1/2 ounce rattle Snakes in 50 ft. of water. They do have rattles in them. We jig them a foot off the bottom with a motion like we are setting the hook on a keeper.

good luck have fun

[went522]

I target them through the ice...what a blast and great smoked!! A small jigging spoon tipped with a few waxies seems to do the trick for me. I agree, snap jigging is key.

BIRDDOG