DESCRIPTION - The mountain whitefish maintains an average length of 8-12 inches and the world record weight is 4 pounds 7 ounces. The overall coloration is silvery with light or dark brown or olive on the back.

DISTRIBUTION - This species occurs only in the lakes and streams of western North America. It is widespread in British Columbia from the Fraser and Columbia River systems, throughout the Pacific coastal drainages of the Bella Coola, Skeena, Nass and Stikine systems.

BIOLOGY - Spawning occurs in late fall or early winter. No nest is prepared and each female lays 1500-7000 eggs. The maximum age of this bottom feeder is 17-18 years.

RELATION TO MAN - This species has been fished by fly or with a small baited hook for food for many years.