Lake whitefish in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for lake whitefish.
- 10 in total; no minilimit
- 12 lbs. 6.4 oz.record
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Middle Genesee Lake: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
lake whitefish in Wisconsin, the overview
Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) sits in the Trouts (Salmonidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as game fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, general inland waters, allows 10 in total; no minimum length with a season of Open all year.
A 12 lbs. 6.4 oz. fish from Lake Michigan (2013) heads the hook and line list.
Wisconsin seasons and limits for lake whitefish
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Major Green Bay and Lake Michigan tributaries | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| All other tributaries and ditches to Green Bay upstream to first dam or lake | 10 in total; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Lake Michigan | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Lake Superior | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
lake whitefish records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 12 lbs. 6.4 oz. | Lake Michigan | Sheboygan | 2013 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Guide services naming lake whitefish
- JAWS II CharterLake Michigan charter, Lake Michigan, Kewaunee, (920) 819-6883
- Silver Strike Charter FishingLake Michigan charter, Baileys Harbor, (920) 421-3888
- Tigger II ChartersLake Michigan charter, Lake Michigan, Kewaunee, (920) 493-6748
More Wisconsin fish grouped with lake whitefish
- CiscoTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Brook troutTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Brown troutTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Rainbow troutTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Lake troutTrouts (Salmonidae)
- SplakeTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Coho salmonTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Chinook salmonTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Pink salmonTrouts (Salmonidae)
- Atlantic salmonTrouts (Salmonidae)
Wisconsin water near Lake whitefish, photographed
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick facts people look up on lake whitefish
What daily limit applies to lake whitefish here?
10 in total; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record lake whitefish?
12 lbs. 6.4 oz. from Lake Michigan in 2013 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold lake whitefish?
The water pages carry no mention of it.
Are lake whitefish stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify lake whitefish?
Coregonus clupeaformis, Trouts (Salmonidae); game fish.
Which months can I keep lake whitefish?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for lake whitefish?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Do outfitters list lake whitefish?
3 guides list it, among them JAWS II Charter.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for lake whitefish
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.