Freshwater · Best during the fall coastal/river run, September to November
Arctic Cisco
Coregonus autumnalis
The Arctic cisco is an anadromous whitefish that feeds in the Beaufort Sea in summer and runs into Arctic rivers — the Mackenzie delta and Alaska's Colville River — in fall; the Colville fall fishery is famous. Mackenzie populations are classed as Coregonus autumnalis, though the boundary with Bering cisco is unresolved.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Silvery, herring-like body with a small adipose fin
- Pointed snout and a slightly upturned lower jaw
- Relatively large eye for a whitefish
- Slimmer and smaller than broad whitefish from the same waters
- Usually 10-14 in, larger than least cisco
Habits
- Spends summer feeding in the Beaufort Sea
- Runs into the Mackenzie delta and Colville River in fall to spawn
- Feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates
- Travels in dense schools during the fall run
- Young fish are carried west along the Beaufort coast by currents
Distribution
Where to find them
- Mackenzie delta channels during the fall run
- Alaska's Colville River delta in fall
- Beaufort-coast river mouths in September to November
Where they live
How to catch them
Small jigs during the fall run River
Rig: Light spinning rod, small baited jigs fished slowly in delta channels and river mouths during the fall run
Bait/lure: Small jigs tipped with bait
Key tip: Time the fall run — schools are dense in the channels and bites are steady while fish pass.
Tiny spoons in coastal rivers River
Rig: Light spinning rod, tiny spoons cast and retrieved slowly in lower river reaches in fall
Bait/lure: Tiny spoons, small pieces of fish
Key tip: Keep lures small and fish them slowly; Arctic cisco have soft mouths, so play them gently.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light spinning rod
- Line: 4-8 lb mono or braid
- Terminal: Small jigs, tiny spoons, fine hooks
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 10-14 in; large fish to about 18 in
On the table
Good — oily and flavourful; valued fresh and smoked in northern communities.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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