The lamprey lives and spawns in shallow gravel areas and typically remains in the lake rather than venturing up streams.

[3] They have been found to be capable of surviving in saltwater through experimentation, but remain in fresh water in the wild.

Spawning is from May to August in shallow gravel bars or the mouths of creeks in their respective lake.

The ammocoetes larvae can be found in silt, mud, or sand with relatively still water, and feed on fine organic materials.

The adult lifespan is only 2 more years before they return to gravel lake shores to spawn.