A massive native char of northern lakes — slow-growing, long-lived, and exquisitely vulnerable to overfishing. Verified ages over 60 years; some Great Lakes individuals approach a century.

Native status: Native; recovering

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 50–80 cm (20–32 in); record 110 cm
Weight2–9 kg (4.4–20 lb)
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderSalmoniformes
FamilySalmonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The lake trout is a freshwater char living mainly in lakes in Northern North America. Other names for it include mackinaw, namaycush, lake char (or charr), touladi, togue, laker, and grey trout. In Lake Superior, it can also be variously known as siscowet, paperbelly and lean. The lake trout is prized both as a game fish and as a food fish. Those caught with dark coloration may be called mud hens.

Source: Wikipedia — Lake trout Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive char with light spots on dark body; deep-bodied.

Similar species. Brook Trout (smaller). Bull Trout.

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Smaller fish, invertebrates.

Behavior. Long-lived. Among deepest-diving freshwater fish.

§ Range

Northern US, Canada, Alaska in deep cold lakes

§ Habitat

Deep cold lakes, often below 50 ft in summer

§ Threats

Overfishing, sea lamprey predation, climate-driven warming of deep lakes, contaminants accumulating in long-lived fish.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the lake trout is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Practice strict catch-and-release of trophy fish. Support sea-lamprey control. Reduce mercury emissions.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • Trout Unlimited
  • IUCN Red List 2008