Skip to content

The Round Whitefish

Round Whitefish is a northern fish of lakes and clear streams. It often feeds near the bottom, although records also show that its depth use can extend well beyond shallow shoreline habitat.

Round Whitefish fishing guide

Range and Identity

Prosopium cylindraceum occurs across northern North American drainage regions and Siberian waters. It is present in the Great Lakes basin except Lake Erie in the checked account. That broad outline should remain separate from evidence that a particular lake or tributary is occupied.

Habitat and Behavior

Adults use shallow lake areas and clear streams, including swift water over stones. A very deep Lake Superior specimen illustrates that shallow records do not define an absolute depth ceiling. Rare brackish-water entry is also noted without implying a universal sea-going life history.

Food and Life History

Upper references are fifty-nine centimeters total length and 2.7 kilograms. Bottom invertebrates are important foods, with occasional fish and egg consumption. Inshore and upstream movements can be associated with spawning, but they should not be expanded into an unsupported long-distance migration route.

Field Note

Keep depth and waterbody with a record. A deep lake observation and a shallow stream observation can describe different occupied settings within this widespread northern species.

All Lakes With Round Whitefish

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Round Whitefish records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 135 lakes · Page 1 of 6

✉Join the Fishing Tips Daily newsletter waiting list

Our newsletter is not sending yet. Leave your email if you would like to hear from us when it launches.

By joining, you agree to receive our newsletter when it launches. To request removal before then, contact us. Read our privacy policy.