Lake Whitefish (Humpback)

ENVIRONMENT YUKON

Yukon Fish Species

Lake (Humpback) Whitefish

Lake (Humpback) Whitefish

This species is important commercially in the Yukon, where it is found in most lakes.
Lake whitefish are brown or olive green on the upper part of the body, with silver-white sides and under parts.
The tail fin is deeply forked. The lower fins may be dusky. The mouth is small and points downward.
Adults have a relatively small head and a fleshy bump at the shoulders; hence their name.
Mature fish average 40 to 50 cm (16-18”) in length and weigh 1 to 2 kg (2 to 4 lbs).

They live on molluscs, crustaceans, aquatic insects, small fish and other small aquatic creatures.
While lake whitefish can be found throughout lakes and rivers, they prefer cool water, and tend to move deeper as surface waters warm in summer.
Lake whitefish are nocturnal spawners, spawning in late fall on shoals and shallow riffles in rivers

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