Whitefish

The current management plan calls for 5 million Walleye fry to be stocked annually into Whitefish and another 880,000 into connected Cross Lake. Whitefish is also stocked in even numbered years with Walleye fingerlings at the rate of one pound per littoral acre (2,714 pounds). Prior to the current plan, Whitefish was considered a "core" lake and as such was stocked for a number of years at a rate of 2 pounds per littoral acre. Given that additional stocking did not result in an increase in abundance, stocking reverted to the original 1 pound per littoral acre rate in 2022. Night electrofishing was conducted on September 17th, 2025, to monitor the abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleyes. The total sample time was 2 hours with no YOY Walleye caught. YOY Walleye were caught at the rate of 12 per hour the previous year (2024) and past catches have been as high as 44.4 per hour. Age 1 and older Walleye were caught at the rate of 5.0 per hour. These fish ranged in size from 8.3 to 22.2 inches, with a mean length of 12.2 inches.

The current management plan calls for 5 million Walleye fry to be stocked annually into Whitefish and another 880,000 into connected Cross Lake. Whitefish is also stocked in even numbered years with Walleye fingerlings at the rate of one pound per littoral acre (2,714 pounds). Prior to the current plan, Whitefish was considered a "core" lake and as such was stocked for a number of years at a rate of 2 pounds per littoral acre. Given that additional stocking did not result in an increase in abundance, stocking reverted to the original 1 pound per littoral acre rate in 2022. Night electrofishing was conducted on September 16th, 2024, to monitor the abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleyes. The total sample time was 2 hours, resulting in a YOY Walleye catch rate of 12.0/hour run-time. Size ranged from 5.6" to 7.9", with a mean length of 7.0". Past catches have been as high as 44.4/hour. Only one non-YOY Walleye was sampled measuring 10.8".

Whitefish Lake is the site of a major DNR Walleye egg take station. It is located where the Pine River enters Upper Whitefish. The lake is stocked annually, with at least 5,000,000 Walleye fry being put back into the lake from the eggs collected at the Walleye trap. Whitefish is also stocked in even numbered years with fingerlings. The 2024 Walleye catch of 4.3/gill net was average when compared to similar lakes. The average length was 14.5 inches and 33% of the fish were 14 inches or larger. Fish over 28 inches were present suggesting angler opportunities for large Walleye. Like many Walleye fisheries, year classes varied. Most of the fish caught (77%) were from the 2022 year class. Northern Pike were caught in high numbers for this type of lake at 8.0/gill net. Average length was 23.6 inches and 22% measured 26 inches or larger with fish over 30 inches sampled. The 2024 survey had the largest percentage of pike over 26 inches to date, indicating an improved size structure and an abundance of forage. Anglers are reminded that all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be immediately released under the northcentral pike zone regulation. In addition to the protected slot, anglers can help improve the pike fishery by releasing pike over 26 inches. Largemouth Bass electrofishing was done across the entire Whitefish chain in 2024, resulting in a catch rate of 44.9/hour. Average length was 13.1 inches and 65% were over 12 inches, with fish up to 19.2 inches sampled suggesting angler opportunities for large fish exist. Three Smallmouth Bass were also netted while electrofishing and all of them were over 16 inches. A special regulation on the Whitefish Chain reduces the daily limit of Sunfish and Crappie to 5 of each. Panfish numbers were average, with Black Crappie showing more potential for anglers than Bluegill. Black Crappie were captured up to 12.1 inches, with 40% measuring 9 inches or larger. Bluegill were on the smaller side, with only 5% measuring 7 inches or larger. Summer surveys may be a poor indicator of sunfish quality, however, as larger individuals often move to offshore habitats. Trap nets failed to sample any Bluegill over 8 inches, while the gill net sample suggested a higher quality population and fish over 9 inches were present. Growth rates were good with Bluegill averaging nearly 8 inches by age 6. Tullibee (1.5/net) and Lake Whitefish (0.5/net) were caught in average numbers. Lake Whitefish ranged in size from 7.0 inches to 21.1 inches, while the average length of Tullibee was 10.6 inches. Both are important forage species in the lake, along with Yellow Perch (24.1/net). While there were perch seen up to 12.1 inches, only 11% were 8 inches or larger. Zebra mussels are present in the Whitefish Chain. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, and Smallmouth Bass in Whitefish. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Whitefish. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Whitefish has a maximum depth of 138 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Whitefish is from 2024.

Yes — Whitefish has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Whitefish, covering crappie and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.