Burbot fishing in the pacific northwest
In Cod We Trust…
The only freshwater member of the cod family Burbot are a fish with many names depending on where you live. In the eastern US they are often called eelpout and in the west they are locally known as freshwater ling. Found primarily in northern states Burbot are denizens of cold water lakes and rivers and are pursued by a small but devout group of anglers who enjoy these fish not just for their tasty lobster like flesh but for the challenge associated with catching these elusive fish.
Burbot behavior is as strange as they look. They prefer to spend most of their lives in cold deep dark waters and only move shallow to spawn in the winter months typically just after many lakes freeze over. For this reason the best Burbot fishing months are typically from December through February but they can be caught any month of the year.
Where to find Burbot in the PNW
Burbot can be found in a number of Washington lakes and Idaho fish and game is currently working to restore Burbot fisheries in the panhandle.
Sullivan Lake: This deepwater lake in the far northeast corner of Washington is home to a large population of small 1-3 lb Burbot. The best fishing is along the shelf off Noisy Creek on the south end of the lake.
Bead Lake: Another deepwater lake in northeast Washington this lake is known for producing big Burbot. Fish upward of 8 lbs or more are not uncommon here. During frigid years ice fishing for Burbot under the powerlines is popular here.
Lake Roosevelt: Washington’s most productive Burbot fishery this massive lake supports a healthy Burbot population. The best fishing is in the winter months at major creek and river inflows such as the mouth of the Kettle, Colville, Spokane Rivers, and Hawk Creek.
Banks Lake: While not as productive Burbot fishing as nearby Lake Roosevelt, Banks Lake supports a fair Burbot fishery. The best fishing is along the north dam especially near the canal but they are not an uncommon catch along the steep drop-offs associated with Steamboat Rock.
Palmer Lake: A larger natural deepwater lake Palmer Lake supports a fair Burbot fishery. Fish can grow large here but expect catches of one or two fish per night. The best fishing is off the Split Rock ramp on the south side of the lake and off the north end where the shelf drops away into the deepwater basin that dominates this lake.
Cle Elum Reservoir: The closest Burbot fishery to Seattle. Burbot fishing doesn’t get much attention at this reservoir and are a common bycatch for anglers pursuing the lakes declining Lake Trout population. Best bets are in the sw. corner of the lake and off of Wish Poosh campground. Nearby Kachess Lake also supports Burbot but is rarely fished.
Kootenai River, ID: Idaho Fish and Game has been working to reestablish Burbot in Idaho. A successful hatchery and stocking program has made possible Idaho’s first Burbot fishery in decades. Anglers are have good success targeting Burbot in deep holes from Bonner’s Ferry up to the Montana border.
How to Catch Burbot
Where to find Burbot
Burbot prefer to feed and spawn over rocky and gravel surfaces. In the summer they tend to hang deep in 40’ or more of water but during the winter spawn they will come as shallow as 10’ deep. Intercepting Burbot as they transition from deep to shallow is your best bet. Focus deeper in the early evening and move shallower as the night progresses.
Bank Fishing Tactics
Burbot are very accessible to bank anglers. Techniques mirror those to fishing for catfish. Carolina rigged size 1/0 bait holder or circle hooks baited with shrimp, worms, or cutbait fished in 10-50’ of water are very effective. A sliding 1/2 oz egg sinker that pegs 1-2’ above your hook is sufficient. Burbot can be light biters and bite best in the one hour before and after sunset and sunrise. Putting your rod in a rod holder with a bell attached and taught line are the best ways to not miss a strike.
Boat/Ice Fishing Tactics
Jigging is a popular tactic for ice and boat anglers. 1/4 to 1/2 oz ball head jigs tipped with curly tail grubs in glow white or chartreuse and some bait are popular tactics. Smothering your jigs in crawfish scent won’t hurt either. Burbot also respond well to sound and vibration and banging blade baits, rattletraps, and spoons on the bottom can summon Burbot from afar.
Best Fishing Tackle For Burbot
Berkley Lightning - 7’ - Medium Spinning Rod
This is my favorite Burbot rod and it doubles as a fantastic Walleye jigging and bass soft plastics rod as well. The blank is a light weight fast action spiral wrapped graphite blank. The grip is a composite cork grip that doesn’t slip when wet. My favorite feature of this rod is it’s dual locking reel seat, a feature generally reserved for higher end rods. Whether soaking bait for Burbot from the bank and vertically jigging for them in open water this rod’s fast action will make sure you know when a Burbot comes a knocking. Plus its a two-piece rod that can easily be packed in the back of a sedan or packed in for those long hikes along the bank to your favorite Burbot hole.
Pflueger President 30 Spinning Reel
A premium, smooth, and reliable reel at a budget price. I have Pflueger President reels that have stood the test of time and keep on going. The paint will wear off before the mechanics of these reels fail. The size 25 or 30 are ideal for Burbot as well as Walleye and bass fisheries. Spool with your favorite 8 or 10 lb mono or flouro line or opt for better sensitivity and casting distance with a 15-20 lb braid.
Hooks and Lines
For lines I highly recommend 15 lb braid from PowerPro. This will give you the best casting distance, sensitivity, and hook setting power. For leader material I recommend 12 lb fluoro from Seaguar. Seaguar makes the best fluoro and its abrasion resistance will come in handy when dragging your baits or Burbot back across the rocks.
As for hooks I recommend size 1/0 hooks when bait fishing for Burbot. Gamakatsu’s Big River Baits will suit those who prefer a good strong hook set whereas their Circle Hooks will suit those who want to practice catch and release.
For jigging Rapala’s 1/4 to 1/2 oz Mooneye jig heads in vibrant colors work best. These jigs have ultra sharp hardened steel hooks and best of all they have bait and/or grub keepers built in so the Burbot don’t make off with your bait or grubs.
Best Lures for Burbot
Blade Baits like Heddon’s blade baits with built in rattles will help to draw in hungry Burbot with their vibration and rattle this is a proven Burbot killer.
Rattle Traps like Rapala’s Rip-N-Rap are another good choice. Bright colors or crawfish will work best.
Spoons like Big Nasty Tackle’s Trout-n-Pout spoons with rattles and glow are a very effective lure for targeting Burbot. Add some scent or bait for added effect.
If you have any more questions about Burbot fishing contact me or reach out to your local fisheries biologist. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the Amazon links. I only link products I use and recommend. Your purchases help support this blog and the production of new content. Thank you!