How to catch Vendace
Coregonus vandesius Richardson, 1836
About Vendace fishing
The vendace is a rare freshwater whitefish belonging to the salmon family, distinguished by an elongated body and a delicate silver appearance. Growing to a maximum length of twenty centimetres and weighing only a fraction of a kilogram, this species inhabits deep, cold lakes in the United Kingdom where it forms shoals in open water. Its diet consists primarily of planktonic crustaceans such as copepods and entomostraca, supplemented by small aquatic insects. As a non-migratory fish, it spawns during the winter months of November and December over gravel and stone shores. Due to its restricted range, vulnerability to climate changes, and environmental pressures, it is considered Britain's rarest native freshwater fish and is protected.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
15 cm
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Market value
Very high
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Habitat
Freshwater
Adipose Fin
Small fleshy fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins identifying salmonids.
Terminal Mouth
Slightly superior mouth position typical of midwater whitefish feeding habits.
Deeply Forked Caudal
Deeply forked tail fin aids fast open-water swimming.
Vendace fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
15 cm (max 20 cm SL ) -
Typical weight
0.2 kg (max 0 kg ) -
Longevity
6 years -
Body shape
Elongated -
Commercial?
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Vulnerability score
33.3
When to fish for Vendace
How to catch Vendace
Tips for catching Vendace
Targeting this delicate whitefish requires ultra-light tackle and precise presentation during low-light windows when shoals rise through the water column. Anglers typically deploy fine-tipped fly rods with tiny sub-surface nymphs or wet patterns to imitate microscopic crustaceans in deep, cold glacial basins. Success relies on pinpointing suspended schools over profound depths during calm weather conditions.
Other names for Vendace
Local and alternate names anglers use for Vendace.
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Vendace
Where Vendace spends the year — Non-migratory
Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.
1 Eggs
Same water all year
Laid on the home grounds.
2 Juveniles
Same water all year
Grow up close by.
3 Adults
Same water all year
Keep to a small home range.
4 Spawners
Same water all year
Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Hover or tap a number to read each stage.
Diet and behavior of Vendace
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Diet
Carnivore
Where Vendace lives
Lives near the bottom but swims in the water just above it. Cover the lower column, not only the mud.
Where this species lives
Vendace photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.
Where to fish for Vendace
Mapped fishing spots where Vendace is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.
