Scientific name
Coregonus spp.
Swedish name
Sik
Maximum length
up to 70 cm
Maximum weight
up to 5 kg
Spawning
Oktober–November über Kies
Swedish record
6,2 kg · 2014

Technique in brief

Fly fishing with nymphs and small dry flies in clear areas is the classic method. Vertical fishing with small pilkers and bottom fishing with worms or maize also work. In winter, ice fishing with fine hooks or mormyshkas is very productive in the mountain regions.

Tackle

For fly fishing, class 3–5 tackle with long, fine leaders; the whitefish is wary and the bites are very gentle. When jigging, the smallest mormyshkas and thin monofilament line of around 0,12 mm are sufficient.

Handling the catch

Whitefish have soft mouths and easily come off during the fight — constant but gentle pressure is better than forceful rod work. It is valued as a food fish in Sweden; the rules of the fishing area apply to taking fish.

Season by country

  1. Jan Good
  2. Feb Good
  3. Mar Good
  4. Apr Quiet
  5. May Good
  6. Jun Good
  7. Jul Prime time
  8. Aug Prime time
  9. Sep Prime time
  10. Oct Good
  11. Nov Quiet
  12. Dec Good

Prime time · Good · Quiet

The calendar shows bite windows, not closed seasons. Binding closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by the individual water and appear on its page.

Where in Scandinavia

Official sources

Checked: 04.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

Where can you catch whitefish in Sweden?

Primarily in Norrland — in mountain lakes, large rivers and along the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. In southern Sweden, the species occurs only in individual lakes.

Which method is most successful for whitefish?

Fly fishing with nymphs and small dry flies in summer, and ice fishing with a mormyshka in winter. Both require fine tackle and a quiet presentation.

When do whitefish spawn?

In October and November over gravel or stony bottoms, in flowing water or on shallow banks in lakes.