Burbot fishing, often called "eelpout fishing," is a unique experience, as burbot are a cold-water species and one of the few fish that are most active during the winter. Here's how you can successfully target this bottom-dwelling species, known for its nocturnal habits:
1. Know the Habitat- Cold, Deep Water: Burbot are most commonly found in deep, cold lakes and rivers, typically near the bottom. Look for them in areas with rocky or sandy bottoms, near deep drop-offs, points, or along the edges of channels.
- Night Fishing: Burbot are nocturnal and often feed actively at night. Your best chances to catch them are during the late evening and into the night.
- Winter: Winter is the best time to fish for burbot, particularly from mid- to late-winter when they are spawning. They tend to move into shallower waters (10-30 feet) to spawn under the ice.
- Cold Weather: They thrive in cold conditions, so ice fishing is an excellent way to target them.
- Live Bait: The most effective bait for burbot is live bait, such as minnows, suckers, or shiners. Burbot are opportunistic feeders and will go after these with enthusiasm.
- Dead Bait: Dead bait, especially pieces of cut fish like herring or smelt, can be highly effective as well, especially when they start to release scent in the water.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Lures: Since burbot feed in the dark, using glow-in-the-dark jigs or soft plastics can help them find your bait. Jigging spoons tipped with cut bait or dead minnows also work well.
- Heavy Jigs: Burbot live close to the bottom, so using heavy jigs to reach deeper areas is crucial. Weighted jigs or spoons that can get down to the bottom fast and stay there will attract burbot.
- Bottom Fishing: Since burbot are bottom feeders, your bait needs to be as close to the lakebed as possible. Use a heavy jig and let it bounce off the bottom. This motion mimics burbot's natural prey and catches their attention.
- Slow Jigging: Slow, steady jigging can be highly effective. Drop your lure or bait to the bottom, lift it a few inches, and then slowly let it return to the bottom. The subtle action attracts burbot and encourages bites.
- Setlines or Tip-Ups: Setlines or tip-ups can be very effective for burbot fishing, especially when fishing at night. Simply rig your line with live or dead bait, set it on the bottom, and wait for the fish to bite.
- Soft Bites: Burbot are known for subtle bites, which can be hard to detect. Pay close attention to any slight movements or changes in your line. Using sensitive ice fishing rods or tip-ups with light triggers will help you detect even the slightest nibbles.
- Rod Setup: Use a medium to heavy action rod with a sensitive tip to feel bites. Burbot can be strong fighters, so your gear should be strong enough to handle them.
- Deep Holes and Drop-Offs: Burbot are often found in deep holes and along drop-offs during the day. At night, they move up into shallower water to feed.
- Rocky Bottoms and Structure: Areas with rocky bottoms, reefs, or submerged structures are ideal spots for burbot. During spawning season, they move to shallower, rocky areas.
- Ice Fishing Gear: Use an ice auger to drill holes, and keep your lines close to the bottom. A fish finder or sonar is helpful for locating deep-water burbot.
- Fish at Night: Since burbot are most active at night, plan your ice fishing trips for late evening or nighttime. Bring a headlamp and dress warmly.
- Multiple Holes: Drill multiple holes in an area so you can cover more ground. Place tip-ups at different depths to find where the burbot are feeding.
- Excellent Table Fare: Burbot are sometimes referred to as "poor man's lobster" due to their firm, white meat that tastes similar to lobster when boiled in butter. They can be baked, fried, or grilled and are considered a delicacy by many anglers.
- Cleaning: Burbot can be a bit challenging to clean due to their slimy skin, but once cleaned, they produce large, tasty fillets.
Burbot fishing, especially through the ice, is a rewarding challenge. By targeting deep-water areas at night, using live or dead bait near the bottom, and utilizing sensitive gear, you can improve your chances of hooking these unique and tasty fish. With some patience and the right approach, burbot can become a winter fishing favorite.