Lake Trout

ENVIRONMENT YUKON

Yukon Fish Species

Lake Trout

Lake trout vary from almost black to greyish or very light green with light-coloured, irregular shaped spots.
Similarly, there are variations in the colour of the flesh - from deep red to pale ivory.
Differences in external colouration and flesh colour are probably determined in part by heredity and in part by environment.
Growth is very slow in most water bodies in the Yukon, though very old fish weighing 10 to 15 kg (20 to 30 lbs) are not uncommon in some lakes. Those living in large lakes usually grow to a larger size than those in smaller bodies of water.

Their main food is fish although smaller aquatic organisms are also eaten.
Lake trout can be found cruising lake shallows just after ice-out in spring, and then move to deeper water as shallow waters warm.
Spawning occurs in the fall on rocky shoals.

Contact Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries

Environment Yukon

Government of Yukon

Box 2703 (V-5A)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: 867-667-5721
Toll free (in Yukon): 1-800-661-0408 local 5721
Fax: 867-393-6263

Email: fisheries@gov.yk.ca