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Burbot

Burbot

Burbot are the only freshwater cod species in North America and Idaho's most unique predatory fish. In Idaho, they are exclusively native to the Kootenai River system in the northern panhandle.

Scientific Name: Lota lota

Also known as Kootenai Leopards

Physical Characteristics:
  • These elongated fish have flattened heads, eel-like bodies, and a distinctive single chin barbel (whisker) used for locating prey.
  • Their mottled brown and yellowish-olive coloration.
  • Typical catches range 18-24 inches and 2-4 pounds, though fish up to 35 inches and 13.5 pounds have been caught.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit large, cold rivers and deep lakes, preferring substrates of mud, sand, gravel, or rubble.
  • In the Kootenai system, they often reside in Kootenay Lake in British Columbia during summer months.

Key Locations

  • Kootenai River system in the northern panhandle, confluence zones where tributaries like Deep Creek, Smith Creek, and Boundary Creek meet the mainstem Kootenai River, Bonner Lake in Boundary County offers ice fishing opportunities, Kootenay Lake in British Columbia.

Specific Spots

  • Target confluence zones where tributaries meet the mainstem Kootenai River, as these areas have preferred spawning substrates.
  • For night fishing, focus on shallow flats 5-15 feet deep at dusk and after dark.
  • During daylight hours, fish deeper holes 40+ feet deep where they rest.

Burbot FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use meaty baits including cut bait (especially native peamouth chub, which locals report as most effective), worms, shrimp, and crayfish.

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

The prime season for burbot fishing in Idaho is mid-February through mid-March during peak spawning activity, when the highest numbers of adults are accessible in the Kootenai River and its tributaries. Fish during winter months when they're most active.

How do you catch Burbot in Idaho?

Fish baits on the bottom with sufficient weight to reach the river floor, occasionally lifting and dropping the line to attract attention. Bottom-fishing techniques work best since burbot cruise along the bottom like catfish. Open-water fishing from shore or boat is the primary approach.

What do Burbot eat?

Adults primarily eat crayfish, small fish including other burbot, while juveniles consume zooplankton and aquatic insects.

Where do Burbot live in Idaho?

They inhabit large, cold rivers and deep lakes, preferring substrates of mud, sand, gravel, or rubble. In the Kootenai system, they often reside in Kootenay Lake in British Columbia during summer months.

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