Top European Whitefish Fishing Countries

European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) is a cold-water species native to lakes and rivers across northern and central Europe, prized for its delicate flavor and firm, white flesh. The top European whitefish fishing countries are Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia, where the species thrives in clean, well-oxygenated waters. These countries have a long tradition of both commercial and recreational whitefish fishing, with Finland and Sweden particularly notable for their sustainable management practices and significant catches from inland lakes and the Baltic Sea. Norway and Russia also contribute substantially to the harvest, especially in the northern regions and large freshwater systems. The European whitefish industry supports local economies through commercial sales, export, and tourism, while also emphasizing conservation to maintain healthy populations of this valued species.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.