Freshwater · Autumn through the ice season; open-water late summer to autumn, ice fishing in winter
Ussuri Whitefish
Coregonus ussuriensis
A silvery Amur-system whitefish of the Heilongjiang, Ussuri and Songhua — locally called 北鱼. Caution on names: it is also called 大白鱼 locally, but in this guide that name belongs to the topmouth culter, so it is not used as an alias here. The species is not on China's national protected list (it is assessed Vulnerable on the China Red List), and local closed seasons apply — check local rules before fishing.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Silvery, moderately deep whitefish body with large, easily-shed scales
- Small mouth with no teeth on the jaws and a slightly projecting lower jaw
- A small adipose fin between the dorsal fin and the tail — the whitefish hallmark
- Dorsal fin grey, tail forked; breeding fish develop tubercles on the head and flanks
- No barbels and no upturned 'culter' mouth — it is a coregonid, not a culter
Habits
- Schools in mid-water over deep, cold river channels and lake basins
- Feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans and small fish
- Moves toward tributary mouths and shallows to spawn in autumn
- A classic ice-fishing target once the northern rivers and lakes freeze — always check the local closed season first
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Deep channel edges in the Heilongjiang and Ussuri
- Tributary mouths in autumn
- Through the ice over deep lake and river basins in winter
Where they live
How to catch them
Ice fishing with small baits River
Rig: Short ice rod, fine line and a small jig or hook with tiny baits over deep water
Bait/lure: Insect larvae, small dough bits and tiny shrimp
Key tip: Jig gently just off bottom and watch for the softest lifts; confirm the local season is open before drilling.
Spoon lure in open water River
Rig: Light spinning rod casting small silver spoons along channel edges
Bait/lure: Small silver spoons and tiny spinners
Key tip: Retrieve steadily in mid-water where schools travel; dawn and dusk are the best windows.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light spinning rod or short ice rod
- Line: 6-10 lb mono
- Terminal: Small spoons, tiny jigs, size 10-14 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 1-3 lb; large specimens 6 lb and up
On the table
Excellent — delicate, prized whitefish flesh; a Heilongjiang speciality, best fresh or in fish dumplings.
Similar species
Lake WhitefishLake whitefish is the North American Great Lakes species; Ussuri whitefish is its Amur-system counterpart in the Heilongjiang, Ussuri and Songhua
Topmouth CulterTopmouth culter — the fish this guide calls 大白鱼 — is a predatory cyprinid with a strongly upturned mouth and no adipose fin; Ussuri whitefish has a small mouth and a clear adipose finRegulations 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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