Alaska whitefish
📖 Overview
Occurs in small to large rivers . Rarely enters lakes . Makes fairly extensive upstream and downstream movements related to spawning runs . Feeds mainly on immature insects . Usually does not feed during the latter part of the spawning run . Excellent food fish but usually not eaten .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 14; Vertebrae: 60 - 63. Distinguished by the gill rakers that are longer than 20% of the interorbital width, a total of 22 to 27 gill rakers on the first arch (with modal counts of 24 or 25), and a pronounced hump behind the head in adults . Adipose fin well developed, often larger in males; axillary process present in pelvic fins . Dark brown to midnight blue above fading to silver on sides and wide beneath; no parr marks in young .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Alaska whitefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
The spawning run involves an upward migration beginnning as early as late June. The spawning act occurs at night or during the day. A female begins to swim vertically toward the surface, belly upstream. A male (sometimes 2 or 3) joins her and eggs and milt are released as fish approach the surface. The fish break the surface, fall away from each other and return to the bottom. After spawning most move downstream. The young of the year move downstream during their first year and do not return until they are sexually mature. Generally, the same spawning grounds are utilized yearly .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Boreal; 68°N - 59°N North America: Probably restricted to northern Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory in Canada and Alaska in Yukon River, Paxson Lake, Copper River system, Anderson River and Mackenzie River delta.
🌿 Ecology
immature insects (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-action 8-9ft fly rod
- 5-8 lb tippet
- floating or sinking-tip line
- seams and current breaks in rivers
- tributary mouths
- undercut banks
- deep pools during high sun
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Strict bag and size limits vary by jurisdiction. Barbless hooks required in many rivers.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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