Chasing Bonneville whitefish
A guide to late fall and winter fishing at Bear Lake
Emily Wright
Bear Lake fisheries biologist
Bear Lake, a vast expanse of aqua-blue water, spans over 100 square miles across the Utah-Idaho border and is often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies." During the summer, it's alive with boaters, swimmers and tourists, many on their way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
But if you're a fishing enthusiast, you know that summer isn't actually the best time to cast a line here. When the heat's up, fish dive deep to stay cool, making them nearly unreachable without specialized gear.
Come late November, though, the Bonneville whitefish come into play. Known for their hard fight and tasty white flesh, they offer a remarkable winter angling experience that's worth the cold. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this exciting season at Bear Lake.
Bear Lake's four endemic fish species: a unique opportunity for anglers
Bear Lake is home to four fish species found nowhere else in the world: Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish, Bonneville cisco and Bear Lake sculpin. ("Endemic" means a species that's native to a specific geographic area and is not found anywhere else worldwide.) All four are crucial to the lake's ecosystem and its appeal to serious anglers.
Bonneville whitefish (Prosopium spilonotus), illustration by Joe Tomelleri
Unlike popular cutthroat and lake trout — which require specific equipment and a boat to target fish for the majority of the year at Bear Lake — Bonneville whitefish become accessible to everyone during the colder months when they move to rocky shorelines to spawn.
Timing the Bonneville whitefish spawn
The Bonneville whitefish's annual spawn starts around Thanksgiving and lasts until mid-December, and draws them from their usual deep-water hangouts to rocky areas along the shore. This shift provides the best time of year to catch Bonneville whitefish, whether you're on shore or in a boat. Despite water temperatures that can dip to near freezing, the action stays hot, especially for anglers looking to land a hard-fighting fish.
Techniques and tips for catching Bonneville whitefish
There are several effective methods for catching Bonneville whitefish, and you can be successful from shore, on a boat or through the ice. Here's what you need to get started:
- Fishing from shore: Chest waders or hip boots are highly recommended. Wading out a few feet can give you an edge in casting farther and getting your hook closer to where whitefish are concentrated near rocky shorelines.
- Fishing from a boat: Anchor in shallow water (8-15 feet deep) near rocks. Vertical jigging beneath the boat or short casting along the bottom are both effective techniques. You should feel occasional rock snags, which means you're in the right spot. Tip: Boaters should avoid using their trolling motor "spot lock" to anchor in shallow water — the motor activity tends to push fish away.
- Spinning tackle: Opt for a medium or light rod with 4-6 pound test monofilament or a small-diameter superline like Spiderwire or Nanofil, paired with a 4-foot fluorocarbon leader. These lines improve sensitivity, helping you feel even the lightest taps.
- Recommended lures: Try small (1/16-1/8 ounce) marabou jigs, twister tails, spoons, spinners or ice flies. For an extra edge, you can tip the lure with a tiny piece of nightcrawler or mealworm, but often whitefish will strike out of aggression during spawning rather than out of hunger.
- Fly fishing: A sinking line paired with large flies (like woolly buggers in bright colors) can bring excellent results. Bonneville whitefish fight hard, so be ready for a memorable experience.
- Ice fishing: When Bear Lake freezes over (which happens about 67% of the time), great fishing continues through the ice. Bonneville whitefish can be targeted after the Bonneville cisco's spawning season ends in late January. During this time, whitefish begin feeding on cisco eggs, and you can find them in deeper water (15-30 feet) near weed beds or rock piles. Using the same lures and rods from fall fishing will work for ice fishing, but adjust your depth to target whitefish feeding over the lake's natural rock formations. Be prepared and use caution when ice fishing: ice safety tips.
- Bundle up! With water temperatures around 40 degrees or even lower, dressing for the cold is essential for an enjoyable experience.
Top spots to catch Bonneville whitefish at Bear Lake
If you're ready to hit the shore, check out these popular whitefish locations at Bear Lake:
- Utah State Park Marina in Garden City
- 1st and 2nd points along the east shore
- Cisco Beach on the lake's eastern side
Great spots for ice fishing:
- Rock piles north of the Bear Lake State Park Marina were built by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to create easy-access fishing spots and spawning grounds.
- The Ideal Beach area often attracts a crowd of ice anglers, creating a lively atmosphere on weekends.
Whether you're fishing near or through the ice, keep in mind that ice may not have even thickness or safe access for ice fishing or over-ice travel. Anglers should use extreme caution and be aware of best practices for ice safety.
Bonneville whitefish records and the potential for a big catch
Bear Lake has been producing large Bonneville whitefish over recent years, and state records could fall yet again this season. In August 2024, our sampling nets captured a whitefish that was half an inch longer than Utah's current catch and keep state record. With the right conditions, you could be the next record holder. Here's a quick look at recent records:
2018 catch and keep record holder Nathan VanderLinden
Photo courtesy Nathan VanderLinden
Catch and keep Bonneville whitefish records (weight-based)
- 1982: Deon Sparks (4 pounds, 4 ounces; 21 inches)
- 2013: Eric Cockayne (4 pounds, 8 ounces; 20 ¾ inches)
- 2018 (current record): Nathan VanderLinden (4 pounds, 8.96 ounces; 21 ⅞ inches)
Catch and release Bonneville whitefish records (length-based)
- 1999: Jeanne Pettengill (18 inches)
- 2008: Eldon Robinson (20 inches)
- 2009 (current record): Scott Tolentino (23 ¼ inches)
If you're aiming for a record, make sure to follow Utah's guidelines, which you can find here. Remember, your fish must be photographed next to a measuring device (such as a ruler or tape measure) in order to submit a valid application.
Bonneville whitefish: surprisingly delicious
Some anglers overlook Bonneville whitefish, but don't turn your nose up until you've tasted it! The flesh is firm and white, perfect for grilling, baking, smoking or frying. Unlike mountain whitefish, which have strong intermuscular bones, Bonneville whitefish are easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a winter meal. Even their eggs make an easy and delicious DIY caviar.
Plan your winter fishing adventure at Bear Lake
With a generous daily limit of 10 Bonneville whitefish and no size restrictions, Bear Lake is an unbeatable spot for winter fishing. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your luck for the first time, bundle up, bring your gear and get ready for some of the best winter fishing around. The Bonneville whitefish is a true native of Utah's waters, and you'll find they're as rewarding to catch as they are to eat.
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Emily Wright
Emily Wright is a fisheries biologist in DWR's Northern Region whose work mainly focuses on Bear Lake and its unique fishery. When she isn't working, she enjoys being in the mountains camping, fishing, hiking and skiing with her family.
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