Lake Whitefish

DESCRIPTION - The average length of the Lake Whitefish 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 British Columbia and Canada.

BIOLOGY - Spawning occurs in the fall in shallow waters at depths of less than 25 feet. The female Lake Whitefish 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.