Freshwater · Year-round in Arctic lakes; best through the ice and in fall

Least Cisco

Coregonus sardinella

The least cisco is the smallest of the northern whitefishes, abundant in Mackenzie-system and Arctic lakes. Often mixed with young Arctic cisco, it is taken by ice jigging with tiny jigs and on small baited hooks, and is an important forage and food fish in the North.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Least Cisco — Photo: Endicoh, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain — Wikimedia Commons

Identifying features

The smallest northern cisco — usually under 12 in
Slim, silvery, herring-like body with a small adipose fin
Small, slightly upturned mouth
Pale fins and a clean silver sheen
Often hard to separate from young Arctic cisco at a glance

Habits

Abundant in Mackenzie-system and Arctic lakes
Stays mostly in fresh water, unlike the sea-running Arctic cisco
Feeds on zooplankton and small invertebrates
Often mixed in schools with young Arctic cisco
Important forage for lake trout, pike and other predators

Distribution

Yellowknife, NT · Northwest Territories & Nunavut★ Primary

Whitehorse, YT · YukonCommon

Anchorage, AK · AlaskaCommon

Fairbanks, AK · AlaskaCommon

Where to find them

Mackenzie-system Arctic lakes through the ice
Delta channels and slow rivers in fall
Yukon and Alaska Interior lakes in winter

Where they live

Arctic lakes of the Mackenzie systemSlow Arctic rivers and delta channelsShallow lake basins and connected streams

How to catch them

Ice jigging with tiny jigs Lake

Rig: Short ice rod, tiny jigs or micro spoons jigged over Arctic lake basins, often with a flasher

Bait/lure: Tiny jigs tipped with bait

Key tip: Use the smallest jigs — least cisco have small mouths and take tiny baits best.

Small baited hooks in lakes and slow rivers Lake

Rig: Light spinning rod, small hooks with bait under a bobber or on a fine bottom rig in lakes and slow channels

Bait/lure: Small pieces of worm, fish or shrimp

Key tip: Fish schools when found; bites are light, so use a sensitive rod and fine line.

Best baits & lures

Tiny jigs tipped with baitSmall baited hooksMicro spoons under the ice

Techniques for Least Cisco →

Baseline setup

Rod: Short ice rod or light spinning rod
Line: 2-6 lb mono
Terminal: Tiny jigs, micro spoons, fine small 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 7-11 in; rarely over 12 in

On the table

Good — mild and oily; eaten fresh, dried or smoked locally.

Similar species

Arctic CiscoArctic cisco grows much larger and makes sea-to-river runs; least cisco stays small and mostly in fresh water

CiscoLake cisco is the larger, more southerly species of the Great Lakes and Shield lakes

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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