Minnesota Fishing Guide

Whitefish

Itasca County, Minnesota — DOW #31084300

154 Surveys
563.87
Acres
51 ft
Max Depth
0
13
Fish Species
9
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Whitefish. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.6 0.88 lb 2
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.6 1.50 lb 9
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.80 lb 1
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.80 lb 1

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 4.9 (above normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.15 lb 44
1998-08-10 Survey seining 139.7 — — 419
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 33.8 (normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.12 lb 304
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.36 lb 29
1960-08-29 Standard gill nets 10.1 (normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.27 lb 91
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 2.8 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.12 lb 25
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 28.6 (normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.10 lb 257
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 36.9 — — 39
2019-07-10 15-ft beach seine 21.1 — — 148
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 132.0 — — 264
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 10.0 (normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.28 lb 90
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 2.4 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.11 lb 19
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 6.7 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.17 lb 47
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.28 lb 23
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 14.7 (normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.25 lb 132
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.09 lb 9
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 5.9 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.17 lb 53

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 670.0 — 2010

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 33.3 — 100
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 11.5 — 23
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 4.7 — 5
2019-07-10 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 5.0 — — 15
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.89 lb 14
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.47 lb 11
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.70 lb 18
1960-08-29 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.40 lb 1
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.69 lb 5
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.09 lb 2
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — — 1
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.37 lb 18
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.10 lb 2
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.50 lb 1
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 1.4 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.52 lb 17
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.70 lb 4
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 1.01 lb 3
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.23 lb 4

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 17.4 (above normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.46 lb 157
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.44 lb 10
1960-08-29 Standard gill nets 2.1 (below normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.27 lb 19
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.49 lb 17
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 4.7 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.56 lb 42
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 0.97 lb 4
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 7.4 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.72 lb 67
1981-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.5 — 0.53 lb 6
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 2.4 (below normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.85 lb 17
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 7.2 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.25 lb 65
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.33 lb 13
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 6.1 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.17 lb 55
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 1.6 — 1.67 lb 14

BCS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 263.3 — 790
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 3.8 — 4
2019-07-10 15-ft beach seine 0.3 — 2

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.65 lb 4
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.2 – 10.9 1.05 lb 3
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.2 1.45 lb 1
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.50 lb 1
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.70 lb 1
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.61 lb 9
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.99 lb 7

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 0.7 — 2
2019-07-10 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 1.9 — 2

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 13.3 — — 40
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.15 lb 1
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 21.7 — — 23
2019-07-10 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 15.0 — — 30
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.10 lb 1

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 39.7 — — 119
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 3.4 — 0.09 lb 31
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 7.0 (normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.08 lb 63
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 1.3 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.21 lb 20
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 2.1 — 0.13 lb 19
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 2.9 (normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.11 lb 26
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 6.6 — — 7
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 1.0 — — 2
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.10 lb 1
1981-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.10 lb 1
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.10 lb 1
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.10 lb 2
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 1.2 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.50 lb 14
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.15 lb 2
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.16 lb 20

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 2.7 (below normal) 3.3 – 8.8 1.85 lb 24
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 6.07 lb 2
1960-08-29 Standard gill nets 8.6 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 0.72 lb 77
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 1.97 lb 3
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 4.3 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 1.60 lb 39
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 4.2 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 0.81 lb 38
1981-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.8 6.00 lb 1
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 4.6 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 1.80 lb 32
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 5.00 lb 2
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 6.0 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 1.59 lb 54
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 0.9 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.8 3.73 lb 11
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 1.79 lb 43
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 4.74 lb 2

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 111.3 — — 334
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.03 lb 2
1998-08-10 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.09 lb 9
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.3 1.20 lb 2
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.44 lb 5
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.57 lb 3
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.44 lb 8
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.85 lb 6
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.32 lb 3
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.33 lb 2

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1998-08-10 Survey seining 9.0 — 27
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — 1

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 0.1 (normal) 0.1 – 0.4 1.01 lb 1
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.1 – 0.4 3.70 lb 3
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 5.27 lb 7
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 (normal) 0.1 – 0.4 3.97 lb 1
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 1.2 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 5.33 lb 11

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 0.8 – 6.2 1.22 lb 23
1960-08-29 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 0.8 – 6.2 1.32 lb 15
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.8 – 6.2 0.98 lb 14
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.2 0.98 lb 5
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 2.1 (normal) 0.8 – 6.2 0.51 lb 15
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 0.8 – 6.2 0.79 lb 24
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.2 0.14 lb 3

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1998-08-10 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 1.68 lb 14
1960-08-29 Standard gill nets 4.1 (above normal) 0.9 – 4.0 1.01 lb 37
1960-08-29 Standard trap nets 1.3 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.1 1.60 lb 20
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 2.48 lb 14
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 1.70 lb 16
1981-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 2.70 lb 1
1986-08-13 Standard gill nets 4.7 (above normal) 0.9 – 4.0 0.95 lb 33
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 2.9 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 1.22 lb 26
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.1 3.03 lb 3
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 1.83 lb 12
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 2.36 lb 1

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.90 lb 1
2019-08-05 Standard trap nets 0.2 — 0.05 lb 2

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2019-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.04 lb 1
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.07 lb 1
2008-08-11 Standard trap nets 2.1 (below normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.08 lb 19

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 6.6 — 7
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 0.5 — 1

BNS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 11.0 — 22
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 3.8 — 4
2019-07-10 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — 14

Tadpole Madtom

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-07-10 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — 1
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 1.5 — 3

BRM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-07-10 50-ft beach seine 2.0 — 4

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1981-08-17 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 0.6 – 6.8 0.86 lb 10
1986-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.6 0.20 lb 1
1976-07-19 Standard gill nets 1.9 (normal) 0.6 – 6.8 0.95 lb 17
1976-07-19 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.04 lb 12

Burbot

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2008-08-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 (normal) 0.1 – 0.3 2.16 lb 1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Best Bet Waxworm Wholesale Bait & Breeder Kits

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-2222

★ 5

Bite Me Waxworms Wholesale Bait Shop

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-2222

★ 3.7

Diamond Custom Rods

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4108

★ 5

Fred's Live Bait & Tackle

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-8710

★ 4.8

Frontier Sports

Marcell, MN

(218) 832-3901

★ 4.6

Glen's Army & Navy Store

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-1201

★ 4.3

God's Country Outfitters

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-9866

★ 4.4

Hollywood Bait

Coleraine, MN

(218) 245-1660

★ 4.5

Nearby Marinas

Bass Lake public Water Access - Whispering Pines

Grand Rapids, MN

★ 3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-0351

★ 4.3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

Marine Clinic

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4281

★ 4.9

Mishawaka Outdoors LLC

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 812-8888

NorthStar Barge

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 269-0566

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Whitefish

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Whitefish.

Anchor Inn Resort
Fishing Resort Spring Lake

(218) 659-2718
Birch Haven Resort Closed
Fishing Resort Bovey

(218) 910-9707
Bowen Lodge
Fishing Resort Deer River

(218) 246-8707
Loon Point Resort
Fishing Resort Bigfork

(218) 245-1470

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Whitefish. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Hybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassTullibee (Cisco)WalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Whitefish

Bro's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 340-6051
Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin
Fishing Guide

(218) 245-9858
Grand Rapids Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 259-7140
Minnesota Fishing Connections
Fishing Guide

(218) 259-2628
MN Fishing Pros
Fishing Guide

(218) 244-2517
Moo Moo's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 398-7593

View all 9 guides →

Other Lakes in Itasca County

Alice

40.62 acres

Allen

57.22 acres

Amen

214.65 acres

Anderson

294.52 acres

Ann

95.53 acres

Antler

233.99 acres

Plan Your Trip to Whitefish

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.