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Burbot

Burbot

Burbot (Lota lota), commonly called cusk in Maine, are the only freshwater member of the cod family and the only freshwater species that spawns primarily in winter under ice.

These unique fish are native and naturally distributed in 158 lakes and ponds totaling 459,265 acres in Maine.

Scientific Name: Lota lota

Also known as cusk

Physical Characteristics:
  • These unique fish have an elongated, almost eel-shaped body with a broad, flattened head, large mouth with small teeth, and a distinctive single whisker-like barbel under the chin.
  • They're olive to dark brown with distinctive dark markings and spots, with a cream-colored belly.
  • Aged Maine cusk averaging 18 inches and 24 ounces at eight years old.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native and naturally distributed in 158 lakes and ponds totaling 459,265 acres, primarily in the headwaters of the Kennebec, Penobscot, and St.
  • John river systems, while being conspicuously absent from smaller coastal drainages.
  • They inhabit deep, cool areas during summer months alongside lake trout, whitefish, and sculpin.

Key Locations

  • Primarily in the headwaters of the Kennebec, Penobscot, and St.
  • John river systems, while being conspicuously absent from smaller coastal drainages.
  • They're typically found in Maine's largest lakes including Moosehead (74,890 acres), Sebago (28,771 acres), and Chesuncook (26,200 acres), as well as waters like Eagle Lake in Aroostook County where Maine's record 18.5-pound burbot was caught in 1986.

Specific Spots

  • Depths of 15-25 feet over sandy or gravelly bottoms.
  • They inhabit deep, cool areas during summer months.
  • They spawn at depths of 3-15 feet over sand and gravel substrates.

Burbot FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Productive baits include live minnows, cut bait such as sucker or chub, shiners, and fatheads. For lures, heavy jigging spoons work well, particularly glow-in-the-dark versions like the Trout-N-Pout Spoon in 1-1/8 oz size for 20-40 foot depths. Green glow being versatile and red glow effective up close.

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

Best during the winter ice fishing season, particularly from mid-February to early March. In spring and fall, they move into shallow water along shores, and during winter they're active at all depths under ice.

How do you catch Burbot in Maine?

Successful methods include fishing with live or dead bait on or near the bottom using traps, or jigging on or near bottom with artificial lures tipped with dead bait.

What do Burbot eat?

They're very opportunistic feeders with smelts appearing in 50% of stomachs and crayfish in 40% of stomachs in Moosehead Lake studies. Their diet also includes sculpins, sticklebacks, yellow perch, suckers, minnows, insects, and invertebrates.

Where do Burbot live in Maine?

Native and naturally distributed in 158 lakes and ponds totaling 459,265 acres, primarily in the headwaters of the Kennebec, Penobscot, and St. John river systems, while being conspicuously absent from smaller coastal drainages.

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