Mastering Targeting Burbot: The Nighttime Ice Fishing Challenge

Burbot, also known as freshwater cod or eelpout, are a relatively overlooked species by many ice anglers. However, burbot fishing provides an exciting and challenging target, especially during the winter months when they are most active. Burbot are unique for their nocturnal feeding habits, which makes them a prime species for nighttime ice fishing. Known for their distinctive appearance and excellent taste, burbot are highly regarded by those who have mastered the techniques required to catch them. In this article, we will dive into the best strategies for targeting burbot under the ice, including optimal fishing times, gear recommendations, and tips for success.

Why Burbot Are a Unique Target for Ice Fishing

Burbot are one of the few freshwater fish species that are truly nocturnal feeders. Understanding burbot populations is crucial for effective fishing, as it helps anglers locate and target these nocturnal feeders. They are primarily active at night, which sets them apart from other fish species that tend to be more active during daylight hours. Because of this, burbot are often targeted during the evening and overnight hours. They are typically found in deep, cold waters and are a relatively underutilized catch in many lakes. Catching them requires specific techniques and an understanding of their unique behavior during the winter.

Why It Matters:

• Nighttime Activity: Burbot’s nocturnal feeding patterns make them a perfect species for anglers who enjoy late-night ice fishing.

• Unique Catch: Burbot are an exciting challenge because they are not as widely fished for as other species like walleye or pike, making them a rare and rewarding catch.

What You Should Know:

Behavior in Winter: During the winter months, burbot prefer deep, cold waters where the oxygen levels are higher. During late winter, burbot spawn under the ice, typically between February and March, gathering in large groups to release eggs and milt. They are opportunistic bottom feeders, scavenging for small fish, invertebrates, and other prey.

Feeding Patterns: Burbot typically feed in the evening and night, especially during the colder months when they are looking for food sources near the lakebed.

Choosing the Right Gear for Targeting Burbot

Catching burbot requires specialized gear to handle their size, bottom-dwelling nature, and nocturnal habits. While not as large as some other species like lake trout or pike, burbot are strong fighters and require durable equipment. Using glowing lures can be particularly effective for nighttime burbot fishing, as they attract fish in low-light conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the best gear for targeting burbot through the ice.

Why It Matters:

• Heavy-Duty Gear: Burbot are strong fighters, so using gear that can handle their power ensures you don’t lose your catch.

• Durable and Sensitive: While burbot bites can be subtle, their strong pulls require gear that is both sensitive and sturdy.

What You Should Know:

• Rod and Reel: A medium-heavy ice fishing rod is ideal for burbot, typically around 30 to 36 inches long. This length allows for enough sensitivity to feel light bites while still providing enough power to reel in a larger fish. Pair the rod with a durable spinning reel that can hold a 10 to 15-pound test line.

  • Tip: Opt for a rod with a soft tip to help you feel burbot’s subtle bites, but make sure it has enough backbone to fight them once they strike.

• Line: Use a 10 to 15-pound braided or fluorocarbon line. Braided line offers excellent sensitivity and strength, while fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in the water and helps prevent spooking the fish.

  • Tip: A braided line is especially useful in deeper waters as it offers better sensitivity and is less prone to stretching than monofilament.

• Hooks and Jigs: Use larger hooks (sizes 4/0 to 6/0) for burbot, especially if you are using live or cut bait. Jigging with heavier, large jigs is also effective, as burbot are bottom dwellers.

  • Tip: Use a combination of live bait (such as minnows or smelt) and large jigs to mimic burbot’s natural prey. Jigging spoons or large tungsten jigs are excellent for getting to the bottom quickly.

3. Where to Find Burbot Under the Ice

Burbot are typically found in deep lakes and cold water, where they can hunt for their prey. They are bottom dwellers, so fishing near the lakebed is key to successfully catching them. In addition to deep water, burbot are often found in areas with little to no current, making the lake’s deeper sections, basins, or submerged structures ideal places to target.

Why It Matters:

• Right Location: Fishing in the right areas reduces the time spent searching for fish and increases your chances of success.

• Targeting Bottom Zones: Since burbot are bottom feeders, knowing where they hang out on the lakebed is essential for success.

What You Should Know:

• Deep Water: Burbot are often found in depths between 20 and 60 feet. They often inhabit the deepest areas of the lake basin, especially after spawning. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich waters, so look for them in deep, quiet sections of the lake.

• Tip: Use a fish finder or sonar to locate burbot in deeper parts of the lake. They often remain near the bottom, where the water temperature is more stable.

• Submerged Structures: Look for submerged structures like rocks, drop-offs, and sunken trees. These areas attract small fish and invertebrates, which burbot use as a food source.

• Tip: Focus your efforts around drop-offs, where the depth changes from shallow to deep. These areas tend to have more activity and hold burbot.

• Sheltered Areas: Burbot often seek shelter in quiet areas of the lake, such as deep coves or basins. These areas can be prime spots for finding burbot during the winter.

• Tip: Fish near the edges of basins or in sheltered areas where burbot are likely to be hunting for food.

Effective Jigging Techniques for Burbot During Night Fishing

Jigging is one of the most effective techniques to catch burbot under the ice. Since burbot feed on small fish and invertebrates, using jigs that mimic their prey can help attract these bottom-dwellers. The key to successful jigging for burbot is to create the right movement, as they are more likely to bite when the bait looks realistic.

Why It Matters:

• Realistic Movement: Burbot are opportunistic bottom feeders that are attracted to the movement of small fish or other prey. Using the right jigging motion increases your chances of triggering a strike.

• Increased Attraction: A good jigging technique will bring burbot to your bait, increasing your chances of landing a catch.

What You Should Know:

• Slow, Steady Jigging: Start by slowly lowering your jig to the bottom. Many anglers have successfully caught burbot using slow, steady jigging techniques. Once you reach the lakebed, raise the jig a few inches and let it drop back down. Burbot are more likely to bite when the jig has a slow, fluttering fall, which mimics the movement of prey.

• Tip: Use slow, controlled jerks to make the jig appear like an injured fish. Burbot are attracted to slow-moving prey, so make sure your jigging action is subtle.

• Varying the Speed: If you’re not getting bites, try changing the speed of your jigging. While burbot prefer slow movements, sometimes a quicker presentation can trigger a more aggressive strike.

• Tip: If you notice that burbot are not reacting to slow jigging, try a few faster lifts and pauses to see if that gets their attention.

• Deadsticking: Deadsticking is another effective technique for burbot, where you leave your bait still in the water. Since burbot feed on prey that is either dead or struggling, this method is highly effective when they are less active.

• Tip: Use live minnows or large soft plastics when deadsticking. Let the bait sit motionless at the bottom or just a few feet off the lakebed to increase the chances of a strike.

Baiting Techniques for Burbot with Glowing Lures

Using the right bait is essential for successful burbot fishing under the ice. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling creatures. The key to attracting burbot is to use natural baits that mimic their typical diet. Dead bait, live minnows, or cut fish can be particularly effective for targeting these nocturnal feeders.

Why It Matters:

• Natural Appeal: Burbot are more likely to strike at baits that resemble their natural food, such as small fish or invertebrates.

• Increased Bite Rate: The right bait increases your chances of attracting burbot to your hole, especially in deeper waters where they feed.

What You Should Know:

• Live Minnows: Live minnows are one of the best baits for burbot. Hook the minnow through the lips or back to keep it alive and swimming naturally. Perch anglers often use similar baiting techniques, which can also be effective for burbot.

• Tip: Use medium to large minnows, as burbot are more likely to bite larger prey.

• Cut Bait: Dead or cut bait from fish like smelt, perch, or suckers works well for attracting burbot. The scent of decaying fish can draw burbot from a distance.

• Tip: Cut the bait into small pieces and place it near the bottom where burbot are most likely to be hunting.

• Soft Plastics: Soft plastic lures that mimic worms, small fish, or crustaceans can also be effective for burbot. You can use them in combination with jigging or deadsticking techniques.

• Tip: Use soft plastics in colors that mimic the natural prey of burbot, such as white, yellow, or brown.

Conclusion

Catching burbot through the ice is a thrilling and rewarding challenge for anglers who enjoy fishing at night. By understanding their nocturnal feeding habits, choosing the right gear, and using effective baiting and jigging techniques, you can increase your chances of landing this elusive fish. Whether you are targeting burbot for their size, strength, or flavor, the right approach will help you make the most of your ice fishing experience.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to fish for burbot?Burbot are most active during the nighttime, making night fishing an ideal time to target them, especially in the winter months. Ensure you have the right safety and navigation equipment, such as a spotlight and GPS, and essential gear like flashlights or headlamps to identify strikes during night outings.

2. What bait works best for burbot?Live minnows, cut fish, and soft plastics are the best baits for attracting burbot. They are particularly drawn to fish-like prey.

3. What is the best depth to target burbot?Burbot are typically found in deep water, ranging from 20 to 60 feet. They prefer colder, oxygen-rich water near the lakebed.

4. What is the best jigging technique for burbot?Use slow, steady jigging with a gentle lift and fall. Burbot are attracted to slow, fluttering movements that mimic injured prey.

5. How do I increase my chances of catching burbot?Fish during the nighttime, use dead bait or live minnows, and target deep, sheltered areas where burbot are likely to be hunting.