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Burbot

Burbot

Burbot are the only freshwater members of the cod family, earning them nicknames like freshwater cod, eelpout, and ling. In New York, they represent populations at the southern edge of their range, making them particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures.

Scientific Name: Lota lota

Also known as freshwater cod, eelpout, ling

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive fish have elongated, eel-like bodies with small embedded scales that make them extremely slimy to handle.
  • They're easily identified by their single chin barbel (whisker), two dorsal fins (the second much longer than the first), and mottled brown-gray coloration with leopard-like patterns.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These coldwater specialists prefer deep lakes and large, cool rivers with varied substrates including cobble, mud, sand, and gravel.

Key Locations

  • Burbot in New York are found in 10 of 18 watersheds: Allegheny, Black, Champlain, Erie-Niagara, Ontario, Oswegatchie, Oswego, Raquette, St.
  • Lawrence, and Susquehanna.
  • Key waters include Oneida Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Champlain, Canandaigua Lake, Otsego Lake, and the upper reaches of the Susquehanna and Allegheny Rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths of 15-20 feet near structure like reefs, bars, humps, or rocky areas adjacent to deep water.
  • They're primarily nocturnal predators that shelter during the day under rock slabs, large woody debris, or in excavated burrows.
  • Summer fishing requires fishing in the deepest, coldest water available, often 200+ feet deep in large lakes.
  • Focus on deep structure and transitions from shallow to deep water.
  • In rivers, target deep pools with abundant cover during low-light periods.

Burbot FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Burbot in New York?

Heavy jigs or spoons in the 3/4 to 1-1/8 ounce range. Glow colors are crucial - green glow and red glow patterns are particularly effective, with lures like Big Nasty Tackle Trout-N-Pout spoons and Moonshine Lures casting spoons being top choices.

When is the best time to fish for Burbot in New York?

Winter ice fishing provides the best opportunities, particularly during their pre-spawn period in late February through March. During daylight hours in the spawn period (early March), burbot can be caught in shallow water from 11am-1pm. Summer fishing is possible but challenging.

How do you catch Burbot in New York?

The key technique is aggressive bottom pounding to attract fish from distance, lifting the lure 2-4 feet off bottom and letting it crash down to stir up sediment. When fish appear on electronics, dance the lure on bottom or lift it slowly 1-2 feet up. Tip-ups with dead bait suspended just off bottom also work well.

What do Burbot eat?

Young burbot eat aquatic insects, crayfish, and mollusks, while adults are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, though they'll also consume invertebrates.

Where do Burbot live in New York?

These coldwater specialists prefer deep lakes and large, cool rivers with varied substrates including cobble, mud, sand, and gravel.

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