Lake whitefish caught in Lake Michigan's Wisconsin waters with trap nets is a "Best Choice." Bycatch is very low, and there are no indications this fishery is impeding the population's recovery from historical declines.

All other Seafood Watch-assessed sources of lake whitefish caught in the Great Lakes (except Lake Superior's Wisconsin waters) are "Good Alternatives." Generally, a source is a "Good Alternative" if the catch of other species that are in decline or recovery is a serious concern or the lake whitefish population is still recovering. In Lake Erie and Lake Huron's U.S. waters, lake whitefish populations are declining. In Lake Superior's (Canada waters), there's a lack of information about the population's status and some concerns about unlicensed fishing.