Freshwater · Anadromous runs in summer and fall; best during Yukon and Kuskokwim runs

Bering Cisco

Coregonus laurettae

A whitefish found only in Alaska (with a Yukon population in Canada), running anadromously up the Yukon River to spawn. It is separated from Arctic and least cisco by fin-ray and gill-raker counts, and cisco identification is honestly technical — even experienced anglers should expect to count fin rays rather than rely on looks alone.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Bering Cisco — Photo: H. L. Todd, Public domain — Wikimedia Commons (Historical scientific illustration — the only clear Commons image of this species.)

Identifying features

Cisco identification is technical: Bering cisco is split from Arctic and least cisco by fin-ray and gill-raker counts — count rays, do not rely on looks alone
Silvery whitefish body with a small, pointed head and a forked tail
Lower jaw slightly projecting, with small, weak teeth
Gill rakers are fewer (roughly 33-37) than in Arctic cisco — a key counted feature
Back is dusky olive to brown, sides bright silver

Habits

Anadromous — feeds at sea and in brackish water, runs up the Yukon to spawn
Runs in summer and fall up the Yukon and Kuskokwim channels
Feeds on small fish, crustaceans and insect larvae
An important subsistence fish in Yukon River communities
Found only in Alaska, plus a Yukon population across the border in Canada

Distribution

Fairbanks, AK · Alaska★ Primary

Anchorage, AK · AlaskaCommon

Where to find them

Yukon River main channel and clear tributary mouths during runs
Kuskokwim River channels in summer and fall
Lower river reaches and coastal staging areas before the run

Where they live

Main channels of the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers during runsClear tributary mouths where staging fish gatherCoastal brackish water and lower river reaches in summer

How to catch them

Small lures and baits during river runs River

Rig: Medium-light rod, small spoon, spinner or baited jig worked in Yukon and Kuskokwim river channels during the runs

Bait/lure: Small spoons, jigs

Key tip: Time the summer and fall runs; staging fish at tributary mouths take small lures best.

Rod fishing at clear tributary mouths River

Rig: Light tackle at clear tributary mouths where cisco stage before moving upriver (set-net and subsistence fisheries aside, this is the rod method)

Bait/lure: Small jigs, tiny flies

Key tip: Fish the seams where clear tributary water meets the main river; keep lures small and bright.