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Burbot

Burbot

Burbot are Wisconsin's only member of the freshwater cod family and one of two native predatory species in the Great Lakes alongside lake trout. They're classified as a rough fish in Wisconsin with unregulated harvest.

Scientific Name: Lota lota

Also known as eelpout, lingcod, lawyer

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive fish have elongated, eel-like bodies with smooth skin, two dorsal fins, and a single chin barbel (whisker).
  • These fish can live over 18 years and reach impressive sizes in Wisconsin waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Burbot are primarily found in Wisconsin's Great Lakes waters including Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

Key Locations

  • Burbot are primarily found in Wisconsin's Great Lakes waters including Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, particularly around Washington Island in Green Bay.
  • Prime locations include Washington Island area in Green Bay.

Specific Spots

  • Target hard, sand or gravel-bottomed humps, steep breaklines off large feeding flats, and deep weed edges at the bottom of steep drops.
  • They prefer depths of 40-60 feet near rocky reefs, steep breaklines, and sand/gravel bottoms.
  • Focus on transition areas from rocks to grass.

Burbot FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Employ heavy jigging spoons (1+ ounce) with glow finishes - green glow and red glow patterns work best. The Trout-N-Pout Spoon by Big Nasty Tackle and Moonshine Lures super glow spoons in yellow goby are highly effective. Re-charge glow lures every 10-15 minutes.

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

Target burbot primarily through ice fishing during winter months, focusing on late January through mid-February and avoiding their spawning period (mid-January to March).

How do you catch Burbot in Wisconsin?

Use aggressive bottom-pounding techniques to stir up sediment and attract fish, then lift the lure 6-12 inches off bottom and dance it in place before letting it crash back down. Alternative presentations include deadsticking with baited jigs or using tip-ups set just inches above the bottom.

What do Burbot eat?

Their diet has shifted dramatically due to invasive species - historically feeding on native cottids, coregonines, yellow perch, cisco, and emerald shiners, but now consuming large proportions of invasive round gobies (53-77% by weight in some areas).

Where do Burbot live in Wisconsin?

Burbot are primarily found in Wisconsin's Great Lakes waters including Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

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