Inconnu (Sheefish)

Overview

The inconnu, or sheefish, is a large predatory whitefish of the far north, nicknamed the "tarpon of the north" for its silvery leaps and hard runs. A prized game fish on remote Alaskan and Canadian rivers, it is the giant of the whitefish family.

Identification

Sheefish are big and silvery with a large mouth, a projecting lower jaw, and the deeply forked tail of a whitefish. They look like an oversized, predatory whitefish and can top thirty pounds.

Range & Habitat

They live in the large rivers, lakes and deltas of Arctic Alaska and northwestern Canada, some running between fresh and brackish water on long migrations.

Behavior & Diet

Unlike most whitefish, sheefish are aggressive predators that chase and eat other fish, striking lures hard and leaping when hooked. They gather at river mouths and rapids on their runs.

Best Seasons

Best fishing is the short northern open-water season of summer, and again as fish stage for fall spawning, with strong ice fishing where accessible.

How to Catch Them

Cast and retrieve large spoons, jigs and swimbaits through river runs and holes; their fish-eating habits make lure fishing productive.

Tackle & Rigs

Medium-heavy spinning gear, 12-20 lb line, big spoons, jigs and swimbaits for a hard-pulling predator.

Landing, Handling & Release

Fight them off the drag and handle wet; many are released to protect slow-growing northern stocks.

Table Quality

Sheefish is excellent - white, flaky and mild, a staple food fish of the north.

Common Mistakes

Fishing too light for a big, hard-running predator and missing the short northern season.

Regulations & Conservation

Managed with northern area limits, often on Indigenous lands requiring permits. Always confirm the current regulations before fishing. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Why 'tarpon of the north'? For its size, silvery leaps and hard fight.

Is it really a whitefish? Yes - a large, predatory member of the whitefish family.