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Are you interested in learning how to catch burbot? Burbot is not one of the sexiest gamefish that many anglers target although that is gradually changing. Long ago it was not thought of as worthy to catch, but times are changing. Burbot is most active during winter and resides mainly at the bottom.

They are less active during other seasons which makes it challenging when targeting them. In this article, we share information on how to catch burbot to help you catch more burbot.

What is a burbot?
A burbot is the only cod-like freshwater fish. It is in the Gadidae family and of the species Lota lota. Burbot looks like a cross between an American eel and a brown bullhead. It has a long and slender body and features distinct mottled skin.
How To Catch Burbot
How To Catch Burbot

How To Identify Burbot

Burbot has a long and slender body and looks like a cross between an American eel and a brown bullhead. it has a distinct tiger-like pattern. Its skin is slimy and has a layer of tiny scales. Burbots have rows of tiny teeth used to capture baitfish.

How To Catch Burbot

Burbot can be caught all year round using standard bait techniques. They are most active after sunset and into the night when they come out to eat. Most anglers target burbot during the winter and go ice fishing for them.

Burbot spawns during the winter and comes closer to the surface to partake in spawning with other males and females. This behavior makes it easier for anglers to target them. Burbot are bottom feeders so when they come closer to the surface to spawn, it is the best opportunity for anglers to catch them.

Burbot is a voracious predator and will eat crayfish, minnows, perch, squid, herring, suckers, whitefish, smelt, and many other baitfish. Crayfish is the main prey for burbot and they are often found in habitats around cliffs and rocky areas. Therefore, when learning how to catch burbot, fish for them in habitats with rocky areas and cliffs.

A medium-heavy or heavy action rod paired with a 2000 or 2500 spinning reel and ten-pound braided ice fishing line will work well when learning how to catch burbot. They seem to be attracted to glow lures and many anglers use glow jig heads and spoons tipped with minnows.

Burbot will come to investigate after feeling the vibration of the glow lure and that will be your best chance of catching them at the bottom. Fly fishing, spinning, and still fishing are other fishing methods that can be used to catch burbot.

1. Jug Fishing

Jug fishing is a passive fishing method commonly used to catch burbot in rivers and reservoirs. Anglers deploy floating jugs or floats rigged with fishing lines and baited hooks in strategic locations where burbots are known to inhabit. The jugs drift with the current, and when a burbot takes the bait, the movement of the jug signals a bite.

Anglers then retrieve the jugs and reel in the caught fish. This method allows anglers to cover a large area of water and target burbot in various depths and habitats. Bait options for jug fishing include cut fish, worms, or other natural baits that appeal to burbot.

Anglers should ensure they comply with local regulations regarding jug fishing, including any requirements for marking and monitoring fishing gear. For more information on jug fishing regulations and guidelines, anglers can refer to resources provided by authoritative sources such as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

2. Night Fishing

Night fishing for burbot can be highly effective, as these fish are nocturnal feeders and often become more active after dusk. Anglers typically target burbot in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs using a variety of techniques such as bottom fishing, drift fishing, and casting.

Using heavy sinkers to keep the bait near the bottom, anglers deploy rigs baited with cut fish, worms, or other natural baits known to attract burbot. Fishing near underwater structures, drop-offs, or areas with rocky bottoms can increase the likelihood of encountering burbot.

Additionally, employing scent-based attractants or using underwater lights to draw burbot to the area can enhance fishing success during nighttime outings. Anglers should be aware of local regulations regarding night fishing, including any restrictions on fishing hours or specific areas where it is permitted. For more information on night fishing regulations and best practices, anglers can consult resources provided by authoritative sources such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

3. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular method for catching burbot, especially in regions where they are abundant and temperatures allow for safe ice conditions. Anglers drill holes in the ice, typically using an auger, and set up their fishing gear over these holes.

Specialized burbot rigs, often consisting of a heavy sinker and multiple hooks baited with cut fish or other natural baits, are commonly used. Anglers jig these rigs up and down to attract burbot to the bait, as these fish are known to feed near the bottom. Ice fishing for burbot can be productive during the winter months when these fish are most active and accessible beneath the ice.

To ensure safe and responsible ice fishing practices, anglers should always check local regulations and ice conditions before venturing out onto frozen bodies of water. For more information on ice fishing regulations and safety guidelines, anglers can refer to resources provided by authoritative sources such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

4. Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for burbot, also known as lingcod or eelpout, presents a unique and challenging angling opportunity. While not traditionally associated with fly fishing, targeting burbot with fly tackle can be both rewarding and effective, especially in freshwater environments where these fish are found.

Anglers typically use specialized fly patterns designed to mimic the natural prey of burbot, such as leeches, crayfish, or other bottom-dwelling creatures. These flies are often weighted to help them sink to the depths where burbot are known to reside. When fly fishing for burbots, anglers should focus their efforts near rocky structures, submerged logs, or areas with slow-moving currents, as burbots are bottom-dwelling fish that seek cover during the day and become more active at night.

Anglers may employ techniques such as dead drifting or stripping their flies along the bottom to entice burbot to strike. It’s essential to use appropriate fly fishing gear, including sturdy rods and reels capable of handling larger fish and sinking fly lines to reach the desired depths.

While fly fishing for burbot may require some experimentation and patience, anglers who master this technique can enjoy a unique angling experience and the thrill of catching these elusive freshwater predators. For more information on how to catch burbot using fly fishing techniques, anglers can consult resources provided by authoritative sources such as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).

5. Still Fishing

Still fishing, also known as bottom fishing, is a popular and effective method for targeting burbot, especially in cold, deep waters where these fish are commonly found. To catch burbot using still fishing techniques, anglers typically anchor their boats in areas with rocky bottoms, underwater structures, or along drop-offs where burbot congregate.

The rig used for still fishing for burbot often consists of a heavy sinker attached to the mainline, followed by a leader with a hook baited with cut fish, minnows, or other natural baits. The sinker helps the bait reach the bottom quickly, where burbot typically feeds.

Anglers then wait patiently for the subtle bite of burbot, which can often be detected by the rod tip bending slightly or a slight movement in the fishing line. Given burbot’s nocturnal habits and preference for low-light conditions, still fishing for burbot is often most productive during the evening or nighttime hours. Anglers should exercise caution when handling burbot due to their sharp teeth and slimy skin.

Burbot Fishing Tips
Burbot Fishing Tips

Best Baits For Burbot

  1. Crayfish

Crayfish are a highly effective bait for catching burbot, also known as freshwater ling or eelpout. These nocturnal predators are particularly attracted to crayfish due to their natural scent and movement in the water. Anglers can catch burbot using crayfish by rigging them onto a hook and deploying them near the bottom of lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where burbot are known to inhabit.

To maximize success, anglers often employ still fishing techniques, anchoring their boats in areas with rocky bottoms or underwater structures where burbot congregate. Burbots are opportunistic feeders and will readily take crayfish presented on the bottom.

When using crayfish as bait for burbot, anglers should ensure the bait remains lively and active to entice bites. Additionally, anglers should check local regulations regarding the use of crayfish as bait, as rules may vary by region

2. Perch

Using perch as bait can be a successful method for catching burbot, also known as freshwater ling or eelpout. Perch are natural preys for burbot and emit a scent that attracts these nocturnal predators.

Anglers can catch burbot using perch by rigging them onto a hook and deploying them near the bottom of lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where burbot are known to inhabit. Still fishing techniques are commonly employed, with anglers anchoring their boats in areas with rocky bottoms or underwater structures frequented by burbot.

Burbots are opportunistic feeders and will readily take perch presented on the bottom. It’s essential to use live perch or fresh-frozen perch to maximize success, as the scent and movement of live bait are particularly appealing to burbot. Additionally, anglers should check local regulations regarding the use of perch as bait, as rules may vary by region.

3. Minnows

Using minnows as bait can be an effective strategy for catching burbot, also known as freshwater ling or eelpout. Minnows are natural prey for burbot and can be easily rigged onto a hook to attract these nocturnal predators.

Anglers typically employ still fishing techniques when using minnows as bait for burbot. This involves anchoring the fishing line with weights to keep the bait near the bottom of lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where burbot are known to inhabit.

Minnows can be rigged on a single hook or on a jigging spoon to add movement and attract the attention of burbot. It’s crucial to use lively or fresh-frozen minnows to entice burbot effectively. Anglers should also check local regulations regarding the use of minnows as bait, as rules may vary by region.

4. Suckers

Using suckers as bait can be an effective method for catching burbot, also known as freshwater ling or eelpout. Suckers are a natural prey item for burbot and can be rigged onto a hook to entice these nocturnal predators.

Anglers often employ still fishing techniques when using suckers as bait for burbot. This involves anchoring the fishing line with weights to keep the bait near the bottom of lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where burbot are known to inhabit.

Suckers can be rigged on a single hook or on a jigging spoon to add movement and attract the attention of burbot. It’s essential to use fresh or live suckers to maximize the chances of success. Anglers should also check local regulations regarding the use of suckers as bait, as rules may vary by region.

5. Whitefish

Using whitefish as bait can be an effective method for catching burbot, also known as freshwater ling or eelpout. Whitefish are a natural prey item for burbot and can be rigged onto a hook to entice these nocturnal predators.

Anglers often employ still fishing techniques when using whitefish as bait for burbot. This involves anchoring the fishing line with weights to keep the bait near the bottom of lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where burbot are known to inhabit.

Whitefish can be rigged on a single hook or on a jigging spoon to add movement and attract the attention of burbot. It’s essential to use fresh or live whitefish to maximize the chances of success. Anglers should also check local regulations regarding the use of whitefish as bait, as rules may vary by region

Catching Burbot
Catching Burbot

How To Fish For Burbot In Lakes

You can catch burbot in lakes with regular fishing techniques. You can cast lures or bait into the lake using crayfish, minnows, perch, herring, squid, or other baitfish to catch burbot. Burbot resides at the bottom and anglers often use glow lures to get their attention and get them moving to check out the glow.

How To Catch Burbot From Shore

When fishing for burbot from the shore, you can cast lures. When you cast a jig, slowly work it along the bottom. Burbot prey on crayfish which are found in habitats with cliffs and rocky features. When you fish from the shore, look for areas where crayfish may be seeking cover and you may find burbot in that area also.

How To Catch Burbot Ice Fishing

When ice fishing for burbot, drill many holes early to avoid disturbing the burbot during “prime time”. Fishing close to the bottom at 20-60 feet will be more productive. However, you can catch burbot at any depth.

If you are fishing for burbot with many lines, spread them out across a range of depths when starting. Work the lines at the depths that produce more burbot. Always have the lures close to the bottom and if you don’t get a bite from a hole for more than 15 minutes, move to another hole.

How To Catch Burbot
How To Catch Burbot

How To Catch Burbot In The Summer

Burbot can be caught all year and you can catch them during the summer. When fishing for burbot during the summer, you can set your bait on the rod and cast it into the river or lake. Most anglers use glow lures since burbot are bottom feeders. The glow lures will attract them and they will then go for the bait on the line.

How To Clean Burbot

Burbot is a slimy-skinned fish and anglers usually put a towel in a container to hold the fish when caught. It can be challenging to clean the burbot depending on the cleaning method you use. One of the easiest methods of cleaning a burbot is to hang it by its head from a nail and cut around the skin close to the neck.

Then use needlenose pliers to pull the skin down to its tail. If you have cleaned bullfrogs, it is similar to how you skin a bullfrog and pull the skin away using a set of pliers.

Burbot Fishing Tips
Burbot Fishing Tips

Burbot Fishing Tips

  1. Burbots are most active at night. They will hide under rocks and in holes and cracks during the day. In the evening, they will come out of hiding to feed.

2. The first few hours after sunset and before sunrise are the best times to catch a burbot.

3. Burbot prey on crayfish which are often found in habitats around cliffs and rocky areas. So when you are learning how to catch burbot, always target the habitats around cliffs and rocky areas with slopes less than 60 degrees where crayfish may be residing.

4. The mouths of bays hidden within large cliffs are also prime areas to fish for burbot, especially if there is shoal or gradual sloping with it.

5. Lures that glow work well when fishing for burbot.

6. Bait such as crayfish or minnows works well when learning how to catch burbot.

7. Burbots grow to be large and have hard mouths, therefore a strong fishing line and sharp hooks will work well when fishing for burbot.

8. When fishing for burbot, jig a rod lightly while you keep an eye on your stationary rods or tip-ups. Always be jigging one rod while waiting for flags to go up.

9. Check tip-ups every 20 minutes.

10. Burbot moves in small schools. If you catch one, there is a good chance that others are in that vicinity. Get your lure back in the water.

11. Burbot becomes very active when the water temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. Burbot spawn in winter on rocks or gravel bars in 2 to 20 feet of water.

13. It is easier to catch burbot during the spawning season than after the spawning season as they go to deeper water until it is time to eat or spawn again which will bring them back to shallow water.

What is the best bait for catching burbot?
One of the best bait to use when learning how to catch burbot is crayfish.
Where is the best place to catch a burbot?
Burbot preys on crayfish. If you can fish for burbot in the habitats where crayfish are found, you will increase your chances of catching burbot. Crayfish like habitats close to cliffs and rocky areas.
What is the best depth for burbot?
You can catch burbot in any depth although they are found at the bottom most of the time. However, depths from 20 to 60 feet will be the best range when learning how to catch burbot.
Are burbot a good eating fish?
Burbot is edible although it is not the most tasty fish. Burbot tastes like haddock and cod as they are part of the cod family.
What time of year is best to catch burbot?
Winter is the best time to go burbot fishing as they spawn during winter and come closer to the surface to engage in spawning with other females.

The Bottom Line

Burbot is a bottom fish that preys on crayfish, minnows, herring, perch, and other baitfish. They can be challenging to catch as they are found at the bottom and only come closer to the surface to spawn. They are most active during the night when they come out to feed.

In this article, we share information on how to catch burbot to help you be successful when fishing for burbot to cross it off your fishing wish list. You can also learn how to catch triggerfish, how to catch swordfish, how to catch bullfrogs, and how to catch sailfish.