Unlike the endangered copper redhorse, the white sucker has a wide geographical range, coupled with the fact that it is usually abundant where it is found. Even though this species tends to prefer warmer and shallower waters than the more commercially valuable trout species, white sucker may compete with brook trout for food in smaller Quebec lakes. Spawning of this species, like other fish species, is based on water temperature. When stream temperatures reach approximately 10C in spring, adults migrate by the thousands to streams or lake margins to spawn in massive congregations.