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Columbia from the Fraser and Columbia River systems, and throughout Pacific coastal drainages of the Bella Coola, Skeena, Nass, and Stikine rivers. In Oregon, Washington, and Idaho it is common throughout the Columbia River system. It also lives along the east slope of the Sierra Nevadas in California.  Mountain whitefish are the only whitefish native to Oregon.  They are

 found in the Columbia and Snake River basins from the Willamette River to the Owyhee River, and in the closed Malheur Lakes Basin in Donner Und Blitzen and Keiger rivers. There are 63 recognized populations in the state, although some of these may deserve further subdivision.
Mountain whitefish are found both in streams and lakes in Oregon. In streams they are found primarily in riffle areas in summer, but prefer large pools during winter. Generally they inhabit the larger streams, with average

temperatures of 48-52 Fahrenheit. Oregon lakes with whitefish include Odell, Davis, Cultus, Winopee, Crescent, Suttle, and Wallowa lakes.
  Mountain whitefish are a relatively long-lived salmonid and may reach 11 to 12 years of age. Sexual maturity is reached when the fish are three to four years old. Spawning usually occurs in the fall from October to December. Spawning generally takes place in gravel of stream riffles, but also may occur on gravel shoals along the shores of lakes. Unlike Oregon's native salmon and trout, whitefish do not dig a redd to bury their eggs, but broadcast spawn instead.
  As evidenced by their specialized subterminal mouth, whitefish feed primarily on immature forms of bottom dwelling aquatic insects. Populations that occupy lakes feed extensively on zooplankton.
  Mountain whitefish populations are not routinely monitored in Oregon. There are, however, numerous annual observations of whitefish in conjunction with monitoring trout populations throughout the state. In areas where they are routinely observed, such as the Upper Willamette, McKenzie, upper and lower Deschutes, Crooked and Metolius basins, mountain whitefish appear to be the most numerous salmonid present.
  One area where whitefish may need to be more carefully monitored is upper White River above White River Falls. This population is likely very unique, having been isolated from the rest of the Deschutes Basin for an apparently long geological time. Their distribution is limited to the lower river from just above the falls up to RM 6, and they are not found in any of the tributaries. In 1985, abundance was estimated to be 100 whitefish/ mile in the 4.5-mile section immediately above the falls. In contrast, a 1975 population estimate for the mainstem Deschutes River was 5,000 whitefish/mile in the Warm Springs to Trout Creek area of the river.
  Other groups that are probably of systematic interest include the populations isolated in the Malheur Lakes Basin. The location of the populations suggest they were part of the fish fauna isolated from the Malheur River Basin by the lava dam that isolated the basin 10,000-15,000 years ago. Likewise, the populations in the Davis/Odell Basin are isolated by a lava dam that is about 5,000 years old.
  Additional populations for this species may be described as their distribution relative to other natural barriers is further studied.
  There are no hatchery programs for whitefish in Oregon, nor do they hybridize with any species planted.

  Renzetti 
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Mark Bachmann, professional guide, fly tier and founding-owner of The Fly Fishing Shop says, "Renzetti fly tying vises offer exceptional quality in every price range."

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