how to catch whitefish

[black otter]

This is a bit early, but Im wondering if one can catch whitefish around the apostle isles. the end of April. Ive been up there a couple times with planers fishing cohos and trout.

Are they in deep water, and could ya jig for 'em or would that be a waste of time? Thanx for any info, Im kind of a rookie up there but had fun the last couple times.

[Jim Hudson]

Summertime fishing for Whities is pretty minimal. Do not know many folks that do it, and I really personally havent had time to monkey around doing it. But, I think it can be done and trying it is the only way to find out if ya can..

Would have to be pretty calm to stay vertical as you would be fishing them in 50 feet or deeper. Steep breaks off shore on the base of the break is where I would start. And use something, lure wise, that is small enough for them to get into their mouths.

But, typically, they are more of a winter target then anything.

[black otter]

Thats what I thought, I marked a big school in 90ft of water about 25ft off the bottom, but figured it would be just lucky to catch one. Thanx anyway. I enjoy your pics, cant wait to get the planers out in April.

[loadmaster]

Hey Jim when do you start looking for the White's?

[Jim Hudson]

Load

Soon as we have enough ice to get out into the shipping channel and out to the lighthouse.. Quite a few whities in the bay itself.. Most are 20FOW or deeper.. And then out off Bayfield and Red Cliff too..

[loadmaster]

Hey Jim thanks for the info. You must be talking about the light house on the point and not on the break water? You know my son Ouitdee and Shark?? They are talking about coming down when we try for the whites and investigate some rock pile in the middle of the bay.

Will check back with ya soon to check on the ice. What type of jigs/spoons are you using??

[Jim Hudson]

Load

Whities are all over the bay, really.. But, in and around Ashland - my most consistant action is 20FOW or deeper.. So from Ashland all the way to Long Island - and all around the Islands too..

More consistant action once you get out past Washburn and up around Bayfield and Red Cliff..

I think I know them.. I have seen then boppin around out here bass fishing..

[Feathers Rainin]

How small of a jig do you need to go down to? I've fished tullies and they need a tiny hair jig with a waxie or no meat. Is this similar to white fish or will a small pimple with a minnow head be small enough on Cheq bay? Thanks

[JBMasterAngler]

I'm no whitefish expert, but when I was on chequamegan bay last year I caught my lone whitefish on a 1/8 oz forage minnow and minnow head. That will continue to be my go to bait when I continue to target whitefish later in the season.

[Northlander]

When Im after whitefish I like a silver spoon bodie of choice with a 2" mono dropper to a small ratfinky type jig with a minnow head or waxies or gulp on it. Seems like the spoon draws them in and you can get it back down to the school faster. Lots of times them and the coho you only get a couple 3 shots at.