Lake whitefish

Coregonus clupeaformis

Common Whitefish, Sault Whitefish, Whitefish, Eastern Whitefish, Humpback Whitefish, Inland Whitefish, Gizzard Fish

Lake whitefish are found in many coldwater lakes across northern North American, although most of their range is in Canada. Lake whitefish are traditionally one of Canada's most comercially valuable fish species, although many populations have declined due to the introduction of non-native species such as smelt, overexploitation by fishermen, and degradation by pollution. Lake whitefish diet consists of a wide variety of bottom-living invertebrates and small fishes, with zooplankton occasionally making up a the remainder of the diet.

DESCRIPTION - The average length is 15 inches and seldom weighs more than 15 pounds although the generally accepted commercial weight is 2 pounds. An older fish will develop a hump behind the head. The overall coloration is silvery with a pale greenish brown to light or dark brown back.

DISTRIBUTION - The lake whitefish is widely distributed throughout Canada.

BIOLOGY - Spawning occurs in the fall in shallow waters at depths of less than 25 feet. The female lays 16 100 eggs per pound of fish and loses roughly 11% of her body weight at this time. This species is predominantly a bottom feeder. The major predators are lake trout, northern pike, burbot, yellow walleye, and even whitefish themselves.

RELATION TO MAN - The lake whitefish is the most valuable commercial freshwater fish in Canada. Sport fishermen actively enjoy the catch of this fish and report the flesh as an exceptionally fine flavor. Whitefish eggs are sometimes marketed as caviar.