Fish Active at night

Burbot

Lota lota

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The only freshwater member of the cod family, the Burbot is a nocturnal ghost of the deep. Thriving in near-freezing waters, this mottled predator comes alive when the rest of the lake goes to sleep.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 30–80 cm (12–31 in) and 1–4 kg (2–9 lbs); can reach 120 cm (47 in) and over 12 kg (26 lbs)

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Colors

Mottled olive, brown, or black patterning over a tan or yellow background; creamy white or pale yellow belly

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Key Features

Single prominent barbel on the chin
Two dorsal fins, with the second being very long
Serpentine, eel-like body shape with smooth, slimy skin
Small, deeply embedded scales

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM

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Season November - March

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Diet Voracious carnivores that primarily eat other fish (perch, sculpins, and whitefish), as well as crayfish and insect larvae

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Habitat Large, cold lakes and deep, slow-moving rivers with rocky or gravelly substrates

Behavior

The burbot is a reclusive, nocturnal predator that behaves much like its marine cod relatives. Unlike most freshwater fish that become sluggish in the winter, the burbot is most active when water temperatures drop. They are known for their unusual winter spawning habits, where they gather in large 'writhing balls' of dozens of individuals to spawn under the ice in shallow water during January and February.

During the day, burbot are masters of concealment, hiding under rocks, within submerged timber, or in deep lake trenches to avoid light. They are solitary for most of the year, only congregating for reproduction. While they can be found in rivers, they are primarily sedentary, staying within a home range unless they are moving to spawning grounds.

Interactions with humans are relatively rare compared to other game fish because of their nocturnal nature and preference for deep, cold water. However, they are highly prized by ice anglers who appreciate their delicious, lobster-like white meat, which has earned them the nickname 'poor man's lobster.'

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Camera Tips

Capturing the elusive burbot requires specialized underwater camera gear, such as a submersible trail camera or a high-action camera with a waterproof housing. Because they are strictly nocturnal, your camera must have high-quality infrared (IR) capabilities or a low-light sensor that doesn't rely on bright white light, which might spook the fish or attract unwanted debris in the water column.

For the best results, place your camera near 'structure' on the bottom of a lake or river—think large boulders, submerged logs, or the edges of steep drop-offs. Burbot use these features as hunting grounds and resting spots. Position the camera about 1 to 2 feet off the bottom, angled slightly downward. If you are in a river, face the camera downstream to prevent the lens from being obscured by floating sediment or debris.

To guarantee a sighting, use a 'scent lure' rather than a visual one. Secure a mesh bag filled with cut bait, such as herring or suckers, within the camera's field of view. The burbot's sensitive chin barbel is designed to detect movement and scent in total darkness, and they will often spend several minutes Investigating a bait bag, providing excellent footage. Winter is the peak filming season; if you have safe ice, dropping a camera through a hole into shallow (5-15 ft) rocky flats can capture spectacular footage of their winter spawning aggregations.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Burbot.

Bowfin

Bowfin lack the burbot's chin barbel and have a large black spot near the base of the tail.

Channel Catfish

Catfish have multiple barbels around the mouth and a deeply forked tail, while burbot have only one chin barbel and a rounded tail.

American Eel

Eels lack the distinct dorsal fins of the burbot and have a continuous fin that wraps around the entire tail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Burbot are almost exclusively nocturnal. They are most active during the darkest hours of the night, typically between 8 PM and 4 AM, when they move from deep water to shallower flats to hunt.

The best way to attract burbot is by using scent. Secure a small container of oily cut bait like smelt or liver near your underwater camera. They have a highly developed sense of smell and will follow the scent trail directly to the lens.

Adult burbot are apex predators in many systems, eating other fish such as yellow perch, ciscoes, and sculpins. They also frequently consume crayfish and large aquatic insects when fish are less available.

Burbot are rarely found in suburban ponds or small local parks. They require large, deep, cold bodies of water or significant river systems, meaning they are usually found in more rural or northern wilderness areas.

While both have long dorsal fins, the burbot has a single prominent barbel (whisker) on its chin and two dorsal fins, whereas the bowfin has no chin barbel and one continuous dorsal fin.

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