Burbot (Lota lota)

Photo by Quinten Wiegersma on iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0

FishActive Dec–Mar

Burbot

Lota lota

When
Dec–Mar — January, February, March, December. Earlier in the south, later in the north.
Where it holds
Deep cold lakes and big rivers — the only freshwater cod, and it spawns under the ice.
How to know it
Eel-like tail, mottled brown-yellow skin, and a single barbel on the chin.
What to know
Ugly, nocturnal, and superb eating — sometimes called poor man's lobster. Peak in midwinter after dark.
The tactic
A glow jig with cut bait, on the bottom, at night.

Seasons, size limits and catch limits change every year and differ by water body. Check the current regulations for your province or state before you fish.

Found in these regions

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Also active in September