Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

lake whitefish

lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)
Photo © Paul Vecsei/Engbretson Underwater Photography

Features and Behaviors

​FEATURES

The lake whitefish has a small head with a short snout. Two flaps are present between the nostril openings. The body shape is deep laterally, and an adipose fin is present. The back color is green to olive-gray. The sides and belly are silver. The average size for an adult lake whitefish is about two feet in length and five pounds in weight.

BEHAVIORS

Lake whitefish swim in schools. They hunt for food near the bottom of the lake. This species eats plankton, crustaceans, mollusks and insect larvae. Spawning occurs in shallow water during November and December. The eggs hatch in April or May.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

​Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Salmoniformes
Family: Salmonidae

Illinois Status: common, native