Lake Trout

A member of the char family, the lake trout is a uniquelyCanadian fish. They are easily recognized by their long,somewhat rounded shape, deeply forked tail and bodywhich is covered with light spots on a darker background.

- Salvelinus Namaycush

Lake trout range in color from almost silver to light green or gray, dark green, brown or almost black along the back, depending on the particular water body it inhabits. The flanks are lighter and fade to white or milky on the belly. The pectoral, pelvic and anal fins have an orange to orange-red hue with the narrow, white leading edge that is common to members of the char family.

Lake trout are native to North America but have been transplanted to such locations as New Zealand, South America, and Sweden. In Canada they can be found in southwestern Nova Scotia; throughout New Brunswick and most of Quebec; in northern Labrador; across most of Ontario; through northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan; across most of Alberta (except the extreme southeast) as well as in northern British Columbia and throughout the Territories. Interestingly, lake trout are absent from most of the Hudson and James Bay lowlands, an area that encompasses most of northwestern Quebec and the extreme north and northeastern portions of Ontario.