Lake Whitefish – Facts, Habitat, Diet & Identification

The Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) is a freshwater fish native to the cold lakes and waterways of North America. Recognized by its silvery body, deeply forked tail and relatively small mouth, this species is widespread across Canada and is particularly well known throughout Ontario.

Whitefish are members of the salmon family and thrive in cool, clean, well-oxygenated water. They are an important part of freshwater ecosystems and have long supported recreational and commercial fisheries throughout the Great Lakes and other parts of Canada.

Identification

Whitefish have an elongated, somewhat deep body with large scales and a distinctive silvery appearance. The back is generally greenish-brown or darker, while the sides are silver and gradually become almost white along the belly.

One of their most recognizable features is a small mouth positioned beneath a snout that extends slightly beyond it.

Other identifying characteristics include:

• Silvery sides and a pale underside
• Greenish-brown to darker back
• Deeply forked tail
• Relatively small mouth
• Large, noticeable scales
• Adipose fin near the tail
• Slightly compressed body shape

The adipose fin is one clue that whitefish belong to the same family as trout and salmon.

Where Are They Found?

This species has an extensive range across northern North America. It occurs throughout much of Canada, Alaska and portions of the northern United States.

In Ontario, whitefish inhabit the Great Lakes as well as numerous deep, cold inland lakes throughout the province.

Their preference for cold water has a major influence on where they can be found at different times of the year.

Preferred Habitat

These fish are strongly associated with cool, well-oxygenated water.

During summer, they commonly move into deeper portions of lakes where temperatures remain suitable. In fall and early winter, they may move toward shoals and shallower areas as spawning approaches. Ontario also notes that they can move into rivers and streams to feed during early spring.

Depending on the lake and season, they may be found around bottoms consisting of rock, gravel, sand or other suitable substrates.

Because they spend considerable time close to the lake bottom, anglers often associate whitefish with deep-water fishing.

Diet and Feeding

Whitefish are primarily bottom feeders. Their diet consists largely of small organisms living on or near the lake floor.

Common food sources include:

• Aquatic insect larvae
• Small crustaceans
• Mollusks
• Mayfly nymphs
• Small aquatic organisms
• Occasionally small fish

Research on Ontario populations has found that their diet can change throughout the season depending on which food sources are available.

Their slightly underslung mouth is particularly well suited to picking food from the bottom.

Average Size and Weight

Whitefish commonly reach approximately 12 to 26 inches (30 to 65 cm) in length.

According to the Ontario government, typical fish weigh approximately 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg). The Ontario record listed by the province is considerably larger at 14.8 pounds (6.7 kg).

Size varies considerably between lakes. Food availability, habitat, water temperature, genetics and the age of the fish can all influence growth.

Spawning and Reproduction

Spawning generally takes place during the late fall and early winter as water temperatures fall.

The fish move toward suitable spawning areas, commonly rocky shoals and other relatively shallow locations. Eggs are broadcast over the substrate rather than placed into constructed nests.

The rocky spaces along spawning grounds provide areas where fertilized eggs can remain through the winter. In studied Ontario populations, hatching occurs during spring, often around the period following ice-out.

Adults do not provide parental care to the eggs or newly hatched young.

Behavior and Seasonal Movement

Whitefish are schooling fish, and their movements can change considerably throughout the year.

Water temperature is especially important. During warm weather, adults generally seek deeper and colder water. As temperatures decline, fish can move toward shallower areas.

Seasonal changes in food availability can also affect where schools congregate.

This movement between deep and shallow water is one reason their location can change dramatically between summer, fall, winter and spring.

Fishing for Whitefish

Whitefish are a popular sport fish throughout Ontario and other parts of Canada.

They can be caught during both open-water and ice-fishing seasons, although winter and spring can be particularly productive periods. Ontario lists small jigging lures, minnows and teardrop jigs baited with wax worms among common presentations.

Ice fishing is especially popular on lakes with established populations. Their tendency to school can result in excellent action once fish are located.

For anglers looking for Ontario waters containing this and other popular gamefish, our Ontario Fishing Lodges & Cottage Resorts section is a useful starting point for exploring fishing destinations around the province.

Interesting Facts

Lake Whitefish belong to the Salmonidae family, which also includes salmon, trout and char.

Despite their name, the fish aren’t completely white. Their backs can range from greenish-brown to considerably darker shades, contrasting with their bright silver sides.

They are well adapted to cold-water environments and commonly retreat into deeper water during the summer.

Whitefish are also an important component of the Great Lakes fishery and have a long history as a food and commercial species.

Another interesting characteristic appears during spawning season. Fisheries and Oceans Canada notes that males and females develop small breeding tubercles on their scales and head during the fall, with these structures generally being more pronounced in males.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are whitefish freshwater fish?

Yes. They are freshwater fish associated primarily with cold lakes and large waterways throughout northern North America.

Are whitefish related to salmon?

Yes. They belong to the Salmonidae family, making them relatives of salmon, trout and char.

What do whitefish eat?

Their diet consists largely of bottom-dwelling organisms, including aquatic insects, crustaceans and mollusks. Diet can vary depending on habitat and available food.

How big do they get?

Ontario lists a typical length of approximately 12 to 26 inches and weight of about 2 to 4 pounds, although substantially larger specimens are possible.

Where are they found in Ontario?

They occur in the Great Lakes and many deep, cold inland lakes throughout Ontario.

When do they spawn?

Spawning generally takes place during late fall and early winter, often over rocky shoals and similar substrates.