Round Whitefish in Michigan

Identification: “(Native Fish) Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, small mouth, long cylindrical body. Small, laterally compressed mouth and snout is pointed slightly downward. Single flap of skin between nostrils, compared to two flaps for lake whitefish and cisco. Average size is 8 to 12 inches, with some reaching greater than 22 inches. The round whitefish (menominee), although unfamiliar to many anglers, is native to all the Great Lakes except Lake Erie.”

Fishing tips: “Few anglers have caught and eaten menominee, but those who do find them excellent eating. They are primarily a commercial species, similar to lake whitefish but somewhat smaller. Menominee are rarely seen except when they venture into shallow (6-48 foot deep) waters in April and May and again in October and November. They are considered a shallow water species in the Great Lakes, but may range out to depths as great as 150 feet. Anglers may encounter menominee also inhabiting rivers.”

“Menominee are bottom feeders: they live on small clams, snails, insect larvae (especially mayfly) and fish eggs. They especially love lake trout eggs.”

“Spawning occurs over gravel shoals in the fall of the year, usually November in the Great Lakes region. Neither the male nor female eats during pre-spawning periods. The males arrive at the spawning grounds first, and when the females arrive, they swim off in pairs rather than form a spawning school. Neither parent guards the fertilized eggs which hatch the following April. Young menominee grow quickly: adults reach a maximum size of about 22 inches in length and five pounds in weight. Their lif”