Mountain whitefish, Prosopium williamsoni

In Colorado, the mountain whitefish is native to the White and Yampa river drainages and has been introduced into the Roaring Fork and Poudre rivers.

This species prefers moderate- to large-sized rivers with deep pools and riffle areas having gravel substrates.

It is a fall spawner, often moving into smaller streams where eggs are scattered over gravel substrate.

Although principally a bottom-feeder on aquatic invertebrates during dusk and night, the mountain whitefish will also feed at the surface during midday.

Mountain whitefish are challenging to catch because their delicate mouth makes hooking and landing difficult.

Fish weighing up to 4 pounds have been reported.

Maximum Length: 17-22 inches(43-56 cm).

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