FRESHWATER COD
We used to think of burbot as a bonus fish we could catch while targeting other species such as lake trout. The sun would set and suddenly there was a ridiculous amount of activity on the bottom of the lake showing up on the sonar. We didn’t realize until we hooked one just how exciting these fish are to catch from the depths of the lake. This experience has since led us to plan burbot trips where the other incidental fish hooked along the way have become the “bonus fish”.
What’s so great about burbot?
Burbot make for delicious table fare. The meat has a firm texture, and the fish has even been coined as “poor mans lobster” as it is quite similar to lobster meat. The “back straps” of the fish can be cut out, cleaned, and boiled in water until cooked. Friends of ours love to boil the meat in a mixture of half 7-Up, half water to add some sweetness and flavour.
Melt some butter, mix in some garlic and you would swear you were out east digging into some fresh fleshy lobster!
The tail meat can be filleted, breaded (optional), and fried in pan with butter or oil, like how you would cook walleye.
Mariah, burbs, freshwater cod, eel pout, or an array of other nick names, are just cool!
Burbot are a cold-water predator preferring to hang out in the dark depths of freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They are certainly not picky about what they consume and this is why they can be quite easy to catch regardless of your lure choice.
KEEN EYESIGHT
Despite being dark, depth loving creatures, burbot can see quite well. We find using glow in the dark lures has been a great tactic for attracting burbot, especially once the sun has started to set. During twilight hours, Robert and I load up our glow in the dark lures with salted minnows keeping the bait ever so slightly off the bottom of the lake. The glow of the lure gets the attention while the scent of the minnow gets the commitment from the fish!
Burbot are crepuscular (we learned a new word!) meaning they feed during the twilight hours. This means you might be in for a long night and/or a very early morning while targeting these fish. Most of our fish are caught between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. with activity picking up again around 5:30 a.m. until about 7 a.m. This of course all depends on the time of year you choose to target burbot. If you are heading out before the spawn, set up in 30-80 feet of water and focus your efforts during the night and the very early morning. Regardless of when you head out, be prepared to go without sleep!
SPAWNING CYCLE
Spawning season can begin as early as December and can continue well into March depending on water temperatures. If you are heading out later in the season and the spawn is on, you’re likely to catch burbot throughout the daylight hours as they set up on shallow shoals eating anything that comes their way!
Burbot can be targeted similar to walleye which is why you might even be lucky enough to bring home a few while fishing those greenbacks as your bonus fish on Lake Winnipeg!
Great places to target burbot in Manitoba – Head to the northern region where numerous lakes are known for their abundant burbot populations. A few of our favourites include Cedar Lake, Reed Lake, and Lake Athapapuskow. If you can’t make the trip up north, good burbot fishing can also be found on the Saskatchewan River, Pine Falls, and Lake Manitoba just to name a few.
Stay warm everyone and go play outside!