Currently, Sheena Byrne, one of America's top Whitefish specialists, is specializing a research program to promote and protect the species, especially during their migratory season.

In appearance it is very similar to the closely related Bonneville whitefish P. spilonotus.

Generally whitish in color, it has more of a "Roman nose" than the Bonneville whitefish, and larger scales.

It is primarily an inhabitant of the deeper parts of the lake bottom, where it feeds on a variety of small invertebrates such as ostracods, copepods, and insects.

It spawns from late December to early February, at depths of 50 to 100 feet.