Burbot

Burbot are native to cold, northern waters across Europe, Asia, and North America. In the the USA, they are most commonly found in the Great Lakes region, northern New England, and parts of the Rocky Mountains. In Canada, they inhabit cold lakes and rivers throughout much of the country. Prime fishing destinations include Lake Superior, Lake Winnipeg, and Alaska’s icy rivers. The best time to catch burbot is during the colder months, from late autumn through early spring, when they are most active. Winter ice fishing is particularly productive, as burbot move into shallower waters to spawn under the ice. Night fishing can also be effective, as burbot are most active after dark.

The burbot (Lota lota), also known as eelpout, lawyer fish, or lingcod, is a fascinating freshwater species found in cold lakes and rivers across the Northern Hemisphere. In both looks and behavior, it’s the exact opposite of most other freshwater fish species. Little wonder, because it’s actually a freshwater cod, and the only member of the cod family (Gadidae) to live entirely in freshwater. The body of the burbot is elongated, and resembles an eel. It has two long, soft dorsal fins that come close to join the rounded tail fin and the equally long anal fin. The color is olive green to dark brown, and the body is often covered in slime. The head of the burbot is flattened, with a large mouth and a single barbel under the chin. Burbot’s behavior is even more unconventional than its appearance. It’s more active at night than at daytime, and in winter than in summer. It even spawns under the ice, and is one of the very few fish species to do so. A female can produce up to a million tiny eggs, ensuring successful reproduction based on “strength in numbers” principle, although the species is relatively slow growing and long living. They could reach over 20 years of age in the wild. Burbots live on the bottom, the deeper the better, and are both predators and scavengers. They catch fish and crustaceans, but will devour animal matter, dead or alive, fresh or decomposed. On this diet, the burbot can reach impressive sizes even in cold water. The world angling record stands at 25 lb. 2 oz (11.4 kg) for a fish caught in Saskatchewan, Canada, but most mature individuals caught by anglers are 15 to 40 in. (40 to 100 cm.) long and weigh 2 to 20 lb (1 to 9 kg.). Their firm, white flesh is highly prized for its delicate flavor, often compared to that of lobster, making the burbot a culinary favorite in the regions where it is abundant.

Burbot fishing is a unique and rewarding experience, especially for anglers willing to brave cold weather conditions. As bottom dwellers, burbot are best targeted using bottom fishing techniques with natural baits. Effective baits include dead minnows, chunks of fish, or cut bait, which can be fished on a simple rig with a heavy sinker to keep the bait near the bottom. With its preference for cold and dark conditions, the “freshwater cod” is a godsent to ice fishing enthusiasts. Some of the best time to catch burbot are the first hours after sunset, which on short winter days as often as not means “right after work”. In Alaska and northern Canada, those who fish for subsistence as well as recreation often run set lines for burbot, which loves to swallow the bait and sets itself as often as not. When iice fishing, anglers often use glow-in-the-dark jigs tipped with bait to attract burbot in low-light conditions. Minnows and minnow heads are great for this purpose. Instead of simply dropping the bait to the bottom, better bounce it off, lifting it slightly and letting it drop again. This mimics the movements of prey and is a proven method for enticing strikes. In open water, burbot can be caught by drifting near the bottom with weighted rigs or jigging spoons. Look for them in deep, cold sections of lakes or rivers, especially near rocky or sandy bottoms where they like to forage. In the late fall and winter, you can catch a burbot from the shore, using heavy baitcasting gear that will deliver the bait as far as you can possibly cast it. Burbot are known for their strong, steady pulls rather than explosive runs, but their habit of turning themselves into a tight knot can make it a challenge to get them through that hole in the ice - select bigger augers for burbot fishing. Overall, this unusual fish is a fun and challenging catch. Their unique appearance and excellent flavor make them a prized addition to any angler’s list of catches, especially for those who enjoy fishing in the heart of winter.