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Lake whitefish

The lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), also known as the common whitefish, vies with the walleye for the lead as the most economically valuable freshwater species of the Prairie Provinces and Northwest Territories. Its exceptionally fine flavour has been extolled since the days of the early explorers.

A deep-bodied fish, it is characterized by a small head with a blunt snout overhanging the lower jaw. Older fish often develop a fleshy bump at the shoulders which makes the small head look even smaller. In general, its colouration is greenish brown over the back shading to silver on the sides and silvery white below. It has large scales and a deeply forked tail.

Average-sized whitefish in the commercial catch measure 40 to 50 cm in length and weigh 0.9 to 1.8 kg. The largest individual on record was an 18.9 kg heavyweight taken from Lake Superior in 1918.

In Canada, lake whitefish inhabit cold lakes across the continent from Alaska to Labrador and south to the Great Lakes. Largest producers are the lakes of the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Commercial fishing is carried out by means of gillnets set in open water during the summer and below the ice in winter. Trapnets and poundnets are also used in some areas. While not noted as a game fish, in recent years the lake whitefish has been the object of an active sport fishery in many parts of its range. Anglers catch it on a small hook usually baited with a salted or fresh minnow or shiner.

Commercially caught whitefish are sold fresh and frozen in the round, headed and dressed, and as fillets. There is a brisk demand for their roe which is marketed as "golden caviar".

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Last updated : 2004-08-17

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