Burbot
Lota lota
The only freshwater member of the cod family, the burbot is an eel-shaped, mottled bottom fish with a single chin barbel. A cold-water predator active under the ice, it is a popular winter catch across interior and northern B.C. and is renowned for its sweet, firm flesh.
Deep, cold lakes and large rivers; nocturnal bottom predator most active and catchable in winter.
Image credit and sources
Species reference image (Trüsche Walchensee.jpg). Resized and recompressed; CC BY-SA 3.0 terms apply to this version. This is not evidence of a sighting at a linked water.
Image: Creator not identified on the source page — CC BY-SA 3.0
Burbot Habitat & Size
Burbot (Lota lota) is associated with lake water and river water in the species record. Habitat information describes the species, not permission to fish for it. The recorded average size is approximately 20 inches; individual sizes vary.
Recorded Waters for Burbot
Outland Atlas links Burbot to water records in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Ohio, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon. These associations may reflect documented presence, seasonal runs, or historical stocking, not angler catch reports or current abundance. Read the linked water guides and source notes for evidence dates and reaches.
Burbot Fishing Regulations & Limits
A recorded association does not establish that targeting or retaining Burbot is permitted. Confirm current species protections, seasonal and emergency closures, reach-specific rules, gear restrictions, bag and size limits with the responsible fisheries authority before fishing. A fishing license does not override these restrictions. Outland Atlas's regulation records may be incomplete; missing rules do not mean unrestricted fishing.
Related Water Guides for Burbot
Explore these Outland Atlas water guides for places where Burbot is recorded:
- Lake Erie — recorded Burbot association
- Shuswap Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Sheridan Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Babine Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Stuart Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Francois Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Charlie Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Okanagan Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Sylvan Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Cold Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Lac La Biche — recorded Burbot association
- Lesser Slave Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Diefenbaker — recorded Burbot association
- Last Mountain Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Blackstrap Reservoir — recorded Burbot association
- Tobin Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Lac la Ronge — recorded Burbot association
- Grand Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Big Kalzas Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Earn Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Finlayson Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Simpson Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Aishihik Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Kluane Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Kusawa Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Laberge — recorded Burbot association
- Marsh Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Frances Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Ethel Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Mayo Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Tagish Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Quiet Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Wolf Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Big Salmon Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Atlin Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Dezadeash Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Little Atlin Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Wellesley Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Little Salmon Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Teslin Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Tatlmain Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Great Slave Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Tathlina Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Mackenzie River — recorded Burbot association
- Dolomite Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Chena River — recorded Burbot association
- Tanana River — recorded Burbot association
- Yukon River — recorded Burbot association
- Sebago Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Moosehead Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Mille Lacs Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Koocanusa — recorded Burbot association
- Clark Canyon Reservoir — recorded Burbot association
- Bighorn Lake — recorded Burbot association
- Fort Peck Reservoir — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Winnipesaukee — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Sakakawea — recorded Burbot association
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir — recorded Burbot association
- Green River (Utah) — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Roosevelt — recorded Burbot association
- Lake Chelan — recorded Burbot association
- Green River (Wyoming) — recorded Burbot association
- Seminoe Reservoir — recorded Burbot association
- Fontenelle Reservoir — recorded Burbot association
Equipment planning for Burbot
We have not selected a species-specific affiliate setup for this guide. First establish whether targeting is permitted at your destination; no tackle recommendation should be inferred from a species record.
A closed season prohibits targeting, even with release. Follow the water-specific rules linked in this guide.
- Check permitted methods, bait and hook restrictions before choosing tackle. Match rod, line and lure ratings to the lawful method and conditions, rather than buying by species name alone.
- Plan weather protection, drinking water and a way to call for help. For boat trips, confirm required flotation and safety equipment with the responsible boating authority.
- Read the habitat and water-specific source notes in this guide, then confirm an appropriate lawful method with the local fisheries authority before choosing equipment. Do not assume a general freshwater combo suits every species or water.
This is an editorial planning checklist, not hands-on product testing. Use equipment you already own when suitable. The gear directory contains affiliate links; any product suggestions below have their own disclosure. Retailer region, availability and Canadian shipping are not guaranteed.
Browse the gear directory · Find official fishing-rule sources · Affiliate disclosure
Burbot Regulations
Review available regulation records and confirm whether fishing for Burbot is permitted with the responsible fisheries authority:
Frequently Asked Questions
What water types are associated with Burbot?
The species record associates Burbot (Lota lota) with lake water and river water. Habitat information is not evidence of current abundance or permission to target the species.
How big does Burbot get?
The recorded average size for Burbot is approximately 20 inches. Individual sizes vary; this average is not a maximum size or a legal retention limit.
Where does Outland Atlas record water associations for Burbot?
Outland Atlas links Burbot to water records in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Ohio, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon. These associations may reflect documented presence, seasonal runs, or historical stocking, not angler catch reports. Check the linked water guides and source notes for evidence dates and reaches; a listing does not guarantee current presence or legal fishing opportunity.
Does a listing or fishing license permit fishing for Burbot?
No. A listing records an association, not permission to target or retain Burbot. License requirements and exemptions vary. Confirm current species protections, seasonal and emergency closures, reach-specific rules, gear restrictions, bag and size limits with the responsible fisheries authority. A license does not override restrictions, and missing Outland Atlas regulation records do not mean unrestricted fishing.