How to Catch Burbot: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Burbot, also known as the “lawyer fish” or “eelpout,” is a unique and fascinating species that has captured the interest of anglers across the globe. These freshwater cod-like fish are known for their distinctive appearance, with an elongated body, flattened head, and a single barbel on their chin. Despite their rather unappealing looks, burbot are prized for their delicious flesh and the exciting challenge they present to anglers.

If you’re new to burbot fishing or looking to improve your catch rates, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of burbot and share expert tips and techniques to help you become a successful burbot angler in 2024.

When to Fish for Burbot

Burbot are nocturnal feeders, which means they are most active at night. The best times to target these fish are typically during the first few hours after sunset and the couple of hours before sunrise. Some anglers also report a productive bite in the middle of the night.

While burbot can be caught during the day, the most productive periods are usually at night. If you do choose to fish during daylight hours, focus on deep water areas where burbot tend to hold.

Where to Fish for Burbot

Burbot are found in a variety of habitats, but they tend to prefer areas with rocky substrates and adjacent to cliffs or steep slopes. Look for areas with a slope typically less than 60 degrees, as these tend to hold more burbot than the deep, vertical habitat immediately in front of cliffs.

The mouth of bays tucked within a large cliff complex can also be productive. Use a good bathymetric map or app like Navionics to identify promising areas that will hold burbot.

Gear and Tackle for Burbot Fishing

When it comes to gear, burbot are not line or lure shy. Use medium to medium/heavy power rods with 6 pound line to provide a quick, rigid hook set for these hard-mouthed fish.

Glowing lures are a must for burbot fishing. Look for jigs with glow grub or tube bodies, wide hook gaps, and in ¼-½ ounce sizes. Jigging spoons that glow in the same weight range with stout treble hooks also work well. Lures that rattle and vibrate when jigged are especially productive.

Use stout, sharp hooks and strong fishing line (8-12lb test). It’s critical to recharge glow lures every 15-20 minutes with flashlights, UV lights, or camera flashes.

For bait, hook strips of sucker or chub meat (skin on) that are about 1 inch long and ½ inch wide. Sometimes downsizing your bait can pay dividends while still providing plenty of scent and flavor.

Fishing Techniques for Burbot

Burbot can be caught at any depth, but fishing near the bottom in 20-60 feet tends to be the most productive. If you’re fishing with multiple lines, spread them across a range of depths to start. As the night progresses, consolidate lines near the depths that are producing the most fish.

Jig at least one lure lightly, bouncing it on the bottom from time to time. Check tip-ups every 20 minutes or so, as burbot frequently swallow lures without triggering the flag. When checking tip-ups, hand jig the lines for a few minutes to entice any nearby burbot.

Remember, burbot move and forage in small schools. If you catch one, keep your lure in the area, as you may quickly catch a second or third fish from the same school.

Avoid fishing near other groups of people, as noise and commotion can negatively impact the bite.

Other Tips for Successful Burbot Fishing

Before wetting a line, auger 20-30 or more holes to give yourself plenty of options. If you fish a hole for more than 15 minutes without a bite, try a different one.

On Flaming Gorge, you can fish up to 6 rods or tip-ups per angler through the ice. Take advantage of this to cover more water and increase your chances of finding active fish.

Be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return, especially when ice fishing at night. Pick up the latest guidebook for the state where you’re fishing and update your fishing license.

Finally, remember to have fun with family and friends on the ice. Burbot fishing can be a unique and rewarding experience, so enjoy the time spent on the water.