Burbot fishing

Lota lota

About Burbot

Freshwater's only cod. A cold-water species most active in midwinter, at night. It spawns under the ice in January and February, which is exactly when the fishing is best and the reason burbot is a night sport. Fish a dead bait or a heavy jig hard on the bottom over gravel and stone, and expect the takes after dark. By summer it retreats to the coldest deep water and is close to impossible to find.

Typical size: Usually 40-60 cm. Record (approx.): ≈ 5 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Jan-Feb, Dec

Best time

Dusk, night

Habitat

Lake, River

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Deadbait Set a whole or half baitfish on the bottom or under a float. Deadly for pike in winter and for burbot and eel at night. Check price on Amazon

Ledger bait Fish the bait still on the bottom with a sinker. Common for bottom feeders; watch the rod tip for gentle bites. Check price on Amazon

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Waters where Burbot bites

Runn Dalarna Indalsälven Jämtland Ivösjön Skåne Erken Stockholm Vindelälven Västerbotten Ångermanälven Västernorrland Glan Östergötland

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Find waters where Burbot is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Burbot?

Burbot fishing is usually best around Jan-Feb, Dec. The best windows in the day are usually dusk, night.

What lures and baits work for Burbot?

Effective methods for Burbot include Deadbait and Ledger bait.

Where can you catch Burbot?

Burbot is most often found in lake, river. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.