Freshwater · Winter is prime, especially through the ice at night; summer fish go deep
Burbot
Lota lota
The only freshwater cod, an eel-like, mottled bottom fish that spawns in mid-winter and feeds at night. Burbot are a favourite ice-fishing target in Alaska and northern lakes, and almost never caught by day in summer.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Long, eel-like body with very small, embedded scales and slimy skin
- Single barbel in the centre of the chin — the freshwater cod mark
- Mottled brown, tan and olive marbling over the back and sides
- Two dorsal fins: a short first fin, then a long second fin matching a long anal fin
- Look-alike: lingcod is a saltwater fish with fang teeth and no chin barbel
Habits
- Strictly nocturnal — feeds at night and rests under cover by day
- Bottom feeder on fish, crayfish and insect larvae
- Spawns in mid-winter under the ice over gravel shoals
- Moves deep and stays inactive in warm summer water
Distribution
Where to find them
- Gravel shoals in 10-30 ft at night in winter, through the ice
- Deep lake bottoms and basin edges after dark
- River holes and slow pools below spawning shoals
- Rocky points near deep water, fished from shore at night in fall
Where they live
How to catch them
Night ice fishing with glow jigs
Rig: Glow jig or spoon tipped with cut bait, pounded on the bottom
Bait/lure: Cut whitefish or sucker pieces, dead minnows
Key tip: Fish after dark over spawning shoals. Pound bottom, then hold still for the pickup.
Set lines on bottom
Rig: Weighted bait rig left on bottom at night where set lines are allowed
Bait/lure: Dead minnows and cut bait
Key tip: Check lines frequently in winter — burbot swallow baits deeply.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Medium ice rod or 6-7 ft medium spinning rod
- Line: 8-12 lb mono
- Terminal: Glow jigs 3/8-1/2 oz, spoons, circle hooks
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 16-24 in, 1-4 lb; large fish 8 lb+
On the table
Excellent — firm, white, cod-like flesh; often called poor man's lobster.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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