One fish that has been gaining attention is the Burbot (Lota Lota), sometimes called "Poor Man's Lobster" for its tasty meat. Known for its elusive nature and ability to thrive in icy waters, Burbot has become a sought-after target among winter anglers. When luring these bottom dwellers, I prefer using a large spoon such as the Sonic Bait Fish, which has been a highly effective approach.
Understanding The Burbot, and their habitat is key to understanding their behavior. Burbot are the only freshwater cod species in North America and thrive in deep cold lakes in our region. Burbot are bottom feeders, spending most of the time stuck directly to the mud, and sometimes the shallow rocky beds. They hunt at night for small fish, such as Chubs, and Kokanee, and they love crawfish.
PRO TIP: Burbot is notoriously active from dusk til dawn, typically following the crawfish from the deep to shallows throughout the night, making those the best time to target them.
One of Burbot's most unique characteristics is its spawning season, typically from January to March, depending on the lake and temperatures. During this time, they are a little more aggressive and active, creating a prime window for ice anglers looking to hook into this elusive fish. Their powerful, serpentine bodies allow them to put up a solid fight once hooked, making them an exciting catch.
When selecting the right presentation, look for the Sonic BaitFish in the 1/2oz-1oz options. And try to match the hatch of what's in the body of water you're fishing, such as many Burbot Lake around me have Kokanee, and the Blue and Silver are killer. But I don't veer far from the Glow White, and Glow Chartreuse, and that Glow Pink works amazing.
PRO TIP: Pounding the bottom makes it look like a crawfish is scouring about, or sharp jigs off the bottom like a wounded baitfish.
The Sonic BaitFish can fish vertically, horizontally, and with two hooks, or a single hook application. A good technique is a slow, methodical jigging motion along the lake bed.
PRO TIP: Look for deeper pockets and holes where there's a muddy bottom, and also look for cobblestone rock beds during the daytime hours.
As the day closes and the evening approaches, I typically move shallow following the fish that are following the crawfish. Most of my days begin in 80+ feet of water, and by the end of the night, I may be fishing 4 feet of water. Being that they are more nocturnal, late afternoon into the evening are peak times for Burbot action. Ice fishing at night does require additional equipment like a headlamp and safety gear, but the payoff can be well worth it.
While many of our lakes have healthy Burbot numbers, just be mindful of bag limits and regulations. Always check before heading out, and practice ethical fishing by taking only what you need. Releasing larger, older fish can also help maintain a healthy population for future anglers.
Ice fishing for Burbot with the Sonic BaitFish combines elements of skill, and patience, especially in the challenging winter conditions where these fish thrive.
For anglers who relish the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a well-earned meal, Burbot fishing offers a rewarding wintertime pursuit. With the right gear, technique, and a touch of persistence, you'll be on your way to mastering this underrated species.
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