Cisco in Saskatchewan

Cisco (sometime called tullibee) is a common fish here in Saskatchewan and are often misidentified as their relative the lake whitefish.

Cisco are a common prey and make up an important part of the food chain for Northern Pike, Walleye, and Lake Trout.

Identifying a Cisco

Long laterally compressed body
Large shiny scales
Forked tail
Adipose fin
Terminal, front-facing mouth
Top and lower jaws are typically of the same length.

Diet

Eats plankton, insects, and small fish.

Spawning

Generally, Ciscos will spawn in the fall in shallow water with eggs hatching in the spring.

Similar Species

Lake Whitefish are a close relative of the cisco with the main difference being their snouts. The snout of a lake whitefish extends beyond the lower jaw, while the snout of a cisco usually lines up with the lower jaw. Lake whitefish will grow to a larger size then a cisco.
Round Whitefish are another relative of the cisco and again the main difference is in their snouts.

Details

Scientific name:	Coregonus artedi
Conservation status:	Least Concern
Also known as:	northern cisco, lake herring, chub, tullibee
General Limit:	Limit 8 (combined limit for all whitefish)
PA National Park limit:	Limit 5 (combined limit for all whitefish)
Distribution:	Found in 254 waters in Saskatchewan

Distribution

See where Cisco can be found in Saskatchewan.

All lakes with Cisco

Fishing for Cisco in Saskatchewan

General Limits

The limit for Cisco is Limit 8 (combined limit for all whitefish) in Saskatchewan provincial waters. Some provincial waters may have different limits for Cisco or be closed to fishing altogether. Always double check with the Sask Anglers Guide before heading out.

The limit for Cisco is Limit 5 (combined limit for all whitefish) when fishing within the Prince Albert National Park.