Whitefish – Coldwater Icons of the North

Whitefish are a group of cold-loving, bottom-dwelling fish that play a vital role in Canadian freshwater ecosystems. Among the most well-known are the lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), two species that support recreational, subsistence, and commercial fisheries across much of the country. Though often overlooked by sport anglers in favour of flashier gamefish, whitefish are prized for their delicate, flaky meat and their abundance in clean, cold waters.

Biology & Habitat

Lake Whitefish

Found across all provinces and territories, especially in large, cold lakes with deep, oxygen-rich water.
Often school near the bottom, feeding on insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
Migrate into shallower water during fall to spawn over rocky or gravel beds.
Deep-bodied with a small head and subterminal mouth (points downward) adapted bottom-feeding.

Mountain Whitefish

Native to western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of Saskatchewan.
Prefer cold, clear rivers and high-elevation lakes with rocky or gravel substrates.
More streamlined and trout-like in appearance.
Feed on aquatic insects and benthic invertebrates, often in flowing water.

Fishing Techniques

Lake Whitefish

Popular target during ice fishing season in regions like Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and the North.
Fished with small jigs tipped with waxworms, maggots, or soft plastics near the lake bottom.
In open water, anglers troll or drift with spoons or bait rigs along drop-offs and shoals.

Mountain Whitefish

Often caught incidentally while trout fishing.
Fly anglers use nymphs, small stonefly patterns, and bead-head droppers in fast riffles and runs.
Also respond to small spoons and spinners in rivers and clear alpine lakes.
Excellent for light tackle enthusiasts.

Regional Differences

Western Canada (BC, AB, SK)

Both lake and mountain whitefish are widespread.
In Alberta, mountain whitefish are native to the Bow, Oldman, and Crowsnest Rivers.
Lake whitefish are abundant in deeper lakes like Cold Lake, Lesser Slave Lake, and Lake Athabasca.

Central Canada (MB, ON, QC)

Lake whitefish dominate inland coldwater lakes and are fished commercially (especially in Lake Winnipeg and Lake Superior).
Popular with ice anglers and shoreline harvesters.
Quebec supports robust lake whitefish fisheries in Lac Saint-Jean, James Bay, and Abitibi regions

Atlantic Provinces

Only lake whitefish occur here, primarily in deeper lakes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Small recreational fisheries exist, but populations are limited by habitat availability.

Northern Canada (YK, NT, NU)

Lake whitefish are a vital food source for many northern communities.
Found in large sub-Arctic lakes like Great Slave and Great Bear.
Often fished under ice using nets or hook-and-line in winter.
Mountain whitefish are absent this far north.

Whitefish Comparison

	LAKE WHITEFISH	MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH
Scientific Name	Coregonus clupeaformis	Prosopium williamsoni
Body Shape	Deep-bodied, small head	Slender, torpedo-shaped
Mouth Position	Subterminal (faces downward)	Small and terminal (faces forward)
Habitat	Cold, deep lakes	Cold rivers and mountain lakes
Range in Canada	Nationwide, including North	Western Canada only
Common Size	1–2.5 kg (2–5 lbs), up to 6+ kg	0.5–1.5 kg (1–3 lbs), rarely larger
Sport Fishing	Ice fishing, jigging, trolling	Fly fishing, light spinning gear
Meat Quality	Mild, flaky, highly prized	Mild, but less commonly harvested

Culinary Notes

Both species offer excellent eating quality. Lake whitefish are a mainstay of commercial fisheries and Indigenous food systems, particularly in the Great Lakes and northern regions. They're often smoked, baked, or fried. Mountain whitefish, while less targeted for harvest, are tasty when fresh and are a sustainable wild food source in western waters.

Final Thoughts

Whitefish are deeply embedded in the fabric of Canadian freshwater life — from Indigenous communities and ice huts to alpine rivers and commercial fisheries. Whether you're casting flies into a tumbling western river or pulling a chunky whitefish through the ice in the North, these humble coldwater specialists represent some of the most rewarding and sustainable fishing experiences in the country.