Painting of Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), DISTRIBUTION North America throughout Alaska and most of Canada, south into New England, the Great Lakes basin, and central Minnesota. Successfully introduced in Chile and Argentina. HABITAT Primarily a lake dweller; can also be found in large rivers and enters brackish water.FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET Adults feed on aquatic insect larvae, amphipods, mollusks, as well as smaller fishes and fish eggs, including their own. They are vulnerable to larger fishes, otters, bears, and fish-eating birds.