Burbot
Lota lota
The only freshwater member of the cod family, the burbot is an eel-shaped, mottled bottom fish with a single chin barbel. A cold-water predator active under the ice, it is a popular winter catch across interior and northern B.C. and is renowned for its sweet, firm flesh.
Deep, cold lakes and large rivers; nocturnal bottom predator most active and catchable in winter.
How to Catch Burbot
Whether you're new to targeting Burbot or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Burbot (Lota lota) is typically found in lake water and river water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Burbot average around 20 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Burbot in the USA & Canada
Burbot is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Ohio, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Burbot, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Burbot Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Burbot vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Burbot populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Burbot
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Burbot is recorded:
- Lake Erie — Burbot fishing water
- Shuswap Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Sheridan Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Babine Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Stuart Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Francois Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Charlie Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Okanagan Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Sylvan Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Cold Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Lac La Biche — Burbot fishing water
- Lesser Slave Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Diefenbaker — Burbot fishing water
- Last Mountain Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Blackstrap Reservoir — Burbot fishing water
- Tobin Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Lac la Ronge — Burbot fishing water
- Grand Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Big Kalzas Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Earn Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Finlayson Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Simpson Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Aishihik Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Kluane Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Kusawa Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Laberge — Burbot fishing water
- Marsh Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Frances Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Ethel Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Mayo Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Tagish Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Quiet Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Wolf Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Big Salmon Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Atlin Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Dezadeash Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Little Atlin Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Wellesley Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Little Salmon Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Teslin Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Tatlmain Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Great Slave Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Tathlina Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Mackenzie River — Burbot fishing water
- Dolomite Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Chena River — Burbot fishing water
- Tanana River — Burbot fishing water
- Yukon River — Burbot fishing water
- Sebago Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Moosehead Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Mille Lacs Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Koocanusa — Burbot fishing water
- Clark Canyon Reservoir — Burbot fishing water
- Bighorn Lake — Burbot fishing water
- Fort Peck Reservoir — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Winnipesaukee — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Sakakawea — Burbot fishing water
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir — Burbot fishing water
- Green River (Utah) — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Roosevelt — Burbot fishing water
- Lake Chelan — Burbot fishing water
- Green River (Wyoming) — Burbot fishing water
- Seminoe Reservoir — Burbot fishing water
- Fontenelle Reservoir — Burbot fishing water
Burbot Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Burbot:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Burbot?
Burbot (Lota lota) is typically found in lake water and river water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Burbot get?
Mature Burbot average around 20 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Burbot in the USA and Canada?
Burbot is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Ohio, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Burbot?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Burbot vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.