Lake Trout

Description:

17 to 27 inches, Lake trout have a body shape similar to that of trout and salmon. They generally have small, light, irregular shaped spots on a silvery-to-dark background; but color can vary considerably at different seasons and between populations. Males and females are similar, with males having a slightly longer, more pointed snout. Lake trout can be distinguished from other chars by the absence of pink spots and their deeply forked tail. The flesh of lake trout varies from creamy white to deep orange. The diet of lake trout varies with the age and size of the fish, locality, and the food available. Food items commonly include zooplankton, insect larvae, small crustaceans, clams, snails, leeches, several kinds of fish, mice, shrews, and even occasional young birds. When available, lake trout may feed extensively on other fish such as whitefish, grayling, sticklebacks, and sculpins. Lake trout prefer large, deep, cold lakes in which they spend their entire lives. Spawning takes place over clean, rocky lake bottoms in September or October. Lake trout do not excavate a redd but instead broadcast spawn over the spawning bed. Males reach the spawning sites before the females each year and each evening. Spawning takes place at night with peak activity occurring after dusk. Eggs hatch early in the following spring. Little is known about the early life history of lake trout which are thought to be reclusive while feeding on plankton during their first few years of life. Spawning occurs for the first time after five to eight years.

Habitat:

The lake trout is usually found in the deep waters of still large, deep lakes and reservoirs, inhabiting waters of 60 to 300 feet. Lake trout prefer cruising near the bottom in search of food.

Notes:

This individual only had 1 eye.