Cisco Fishing

[Jamesakers]

I live on one of the cleanest natural lakes in our state. We still have a good viable population of Cisco. I understand that it is an indigenous fish, that requires very clean water. Most of the Cisco have died out elsewhere in northern Indiana. They tell me that when you smoke them, they resemble a whitefish. <br />Anyway, I need to learn how to catch the darned things. I ran into an old guy at the boat ramp a few years back and he tells me that you can’t catch them until after Thanksgiving. He was fishing with what looked like spikes or something. He landed several good fish while I watched him. This was about 4 years ago, and I still have not caught a single Cisco. Does anyone have any experience catching Cisco? If so, can you give me some advise on how to put a few of these boogers in the boat?<br />Thanks in advance

 

[Jamesakers]

Re: Cisco Fishing

Anybody out there know what a Cisco is??

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Cisco Fishing

i bet lots here do. i've heard of them. i think they are similar to a large shiner down south

 

[Jamesakers]

Re: Cisco Fishing

A Large Shiner... So anybody want to tell me if this fish is even worth catching?

 

[CCrew]

Re: Cisco Fishing

Not me.. To me it's a company that makes routers and switches

 

[two2canoe]

Re: Cisco Fishing

The Cisco is indeed closely related to the Whitefish and run up to about 18" and 3lb. Probably would be best smoked as they are said to have a rather soft flesh. They spend most of the year in deep water. They come up to spawn when the water hits 50 deg. and spawn at about 45 deg. Spawning takes place in about 10' of water on a hard bottom. They stay shallow until the water begains to warm in the spring and then head deep again. There are accounts of the old timers fishing through the ice for them jigging a pearl button for bait. I would try a small jig, rooster tail, or small minnow fished right on bottom. Or try through the ice with a ice fly or small jigging spoon. I haven't caught a Cisco but I have caught Whitefish and they put up a pretty good fight. Of course I will happily fish for Carp, Gar and about anything else that swims. Maybe your Department of Natural Resources can give you more info for your lake. Good luck on your quest and let us know how you do.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Cisco Fishing

Hello.<br />Up here in the finger lakes in NY there still are plenty of ciscoes.They are THE offshore bait fish.During the day you will find them deep down(in summer),but come evening they will come up to feed, and along with them there are usually lake trout and the real big off structure bass who pick of the weak ones of the school.<br />What do they taste like? Well unless you are really, but really hungry you don't want to find out.