Born of a receding glacier 2,500 feet deep at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch 10,000 years ago, the cold and clean water of Whitefish Lake is a regional draw for boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor pursuits.

The lake covers 5.22 square miles and is approximately 6 miles long and 1 mile wide at the widest point. The shoreline length is 15.85 miles with a maximum depth of 232 feet and average depth of 109 feet.

Recreationalists should exercise caution in the spring when surface water temperatures remain cold at below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Surface water temperatures peak in the low 70s by mid-August.

Current Whitefish Lake weather information can be found at the Whitefish Lake Institute’s website: www.whitefishlake.org

Paved Road

Primarily lake trout, lake whitefish, and westslope cutthroat trout with limited numbers of northern pike and bull trout. A downrigger is helpful to reach depths for lake trout.

Canoes and sea kayaks are common on the lake. The best time for paddling is usually in the morning when the water is calm. Motorized watercraft use generally picks up in the afternoon. Boat rentals are available.

Highway 93 to Whitefish. Turn onto Baker Avenue and go North over the railroad tracks. Turn left onto Edgewood Drive at the stoplight at the bottom of the railroad overpass. Follow Edgewood for 1/2 mile to the entrance to City Beach. Parking area provided.

There are two public boat launch locations on Whitefish Lake; City Beach Boat Launch and at Whitefish Lake State Park. To access the Whitefish Lake State Park, take Highway 93 west out of town towards Eureka. Take a right on State Park Road after the golf course. Follow this road over the railroad tracks. The park entrance will be on your left.

Both City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park offer swimming areas. Whitefish Lake State Park offers 8 tent campsites and 16 tent/RV campsites.