Skip to main content

Burbot

Burbot

Burbot (Lota lota) are the only freshwater member of the cod family and represent a controversial presence in Colorado waters.

Scientific Name: Lota lota

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive fish have long, eel-like bodies with mottled brown, yellow, or green coloration, a single chin barbel (whisker), two dorsal fins, and can grow up to 25+ pounds in exceptional cases, though most are much smaller.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Not native to Colorado but were illegally introduced into the Green River drainage in the 1990s from populations in Wyoming's Wind River drainage.
  • They have since expanded throughout the upper Colorado River basin.

Key Locations

  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Green River drainage, upper Colorado River basin, including the Green, Yampa, White, and Colorado rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths of 15-20 feet over rocky structure, drop-offs, and areas adjacent to deep water.
  • During summer target deeper pools.

Burbot FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Burbot in Colorado?

Heavy jigging spoons (especially glow-in-the-dark patterns in green or red), bucktail jigs, and soft plastics, with 1-1/8 oz spoons being particularly effective for the 20-40 foot range. Tip lures with cut bait such as sucker, chub, or minnow pieces. Live minnows, cut fish, or crayfish pieces.

When is the best time to fish for Burbot in Colorado?

Peak success from December through March when they move into shallower water for spawning. During summer months when open water fishing is possible, target deeper pools and fish at night for best results.

How do you catch Burbot in Colorado?

Ice fishing is the most productive method. Use aggressive jigging presentations. Pound the bottom aggressively to stir up sediment and attract fish, then lift the bait 6-12 inches off bottom. For bait fishing, use Carolina rigs or under tip-ups.

What do Burbot eat?

Burbot are voracious nocturnal predators with plastic diets, feeding heavily on crayfish (which can comprise 40-90% of their diet), small fish including native species, and various invertebrates.

Where do Burbot live in Colorado?

Not native to Colorado but were illegally introduced into the Green River drainage in the 1990s from populations in Wyoming's Wind River drainage. They have since expanded throughout the upper Colorado River basin.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Burbot.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Burbot water

    Pick Burbot and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Burbot

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Burbot are.

Open the map, filter by Burbot, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Colorado licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.