Sardine cisco
Coregonus sardinella
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)The Sardine cisco (Coregonus sardinella) is a small, silvery game fish found in coastal marine, brackish, and freshwater waters. It is prized for its active schooling behavior and delicate, flaky flesh that makes excellent smoked or pan‑fried dishes.
Basic Information
Family
Salmonidae
Max Size
47 cm
Habitat
marine, freshwater, brackish
Climate
polar
Best Season
Spring to early summer (April–June)
Best Time
Early morning and late evening (dawn and dusk)
Distribution
Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.
Fishing Tips for Sardine cisco
- Locate schools near estuaries, piers, or river mouths where freshwater mixes with saltwater.
- Use a slow to moderate retrieve to keep lures or bait in the strike zone as the fish move in tight schools.
- Fish during low light conditions when the sardine cisco are most actively feeding near the surface.
- Keep line tight and be ready for rapid, short bursts of runs; the fish often strike in groups.
Top Fishing Locations for Sardine cisco
Lake Inari
FinlandLarge Arctic lake with abundant sardine cisco in its deep, cold waters; popular among local and fly anglers.
Best: June-September
Lake Onega
RussiaSecond-largest European lake; thriving sardine cisco populations in offshore bays; guided trips available.
Best: May-September
Lake Saimaa
FinlandComplex labyrinth of lakes and islands; cisco gather in deep basins during spawning runs.
Best: July-September
Lake Ladoga
RussiaEurope's largest lake; cisco found near rocky drop-offs; requires ice‑free conditions.
Best: June-October
Upper River Tana
NorwayArctic river flowing into the Barents Sea; sardine cisco migrate upstream during summer.
Best: June-August
Lake Baikal
RussiaDeepest freshwater lake on Earth; cisco populations concentrated in the southern basin; remote but spectacular.
Best: July-September
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Sardine cisco
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live minnows, shrimp, or small baitfish strips