It is found in cold-water lakes and streams. The young may inhabit shallow weedy areas, but older fish generally are found in deeper water. Spawning occurs in riffle areas of streams. Females produce 14,000 to 60,000 eggs. Young fish apparently feed to a great extent on plant material.
Older fish take mainly a variety of benthic invertebrates.
Individuals may reach 25 inches and 7 pounds in parts of their range, but in Idaho they seldom are larger than 12 to 14 inches and 3 pounds. In some areas of its range, this species is fished commercially for human consumption. Because of its restricted range and the greater abundance of more desirable game fish, in Idaho this species is not used as a food fish.