Finding & Catching Ice Fishing’s Most Overlooked Quarry

Location—Burbot location and activity levels are based primarily on water temperature, but often vary considerably from one lake to the next. In large shallow lakes like Mille Lacs and Leech in Minnesota, for example, burbot often are active as soon as the ice begins to form in early December. Walleye and perch anglers fishing shallow bars and flats often catch burbot on jigging presentations throughout the day, though the catch rate peaks during the evening twilight period.

Burbot eventually spawn on rock or gravel bars from 2 to 20 feet deep, but food continues to be a priority. Smaller males typically arrive on spawning grounds several days before females. They cruise over the tops of bars under the cover of darkness, feeding on crayfish, perch, and minnows.

By early to mid-January, most burbot in shallow lakes have spawned, and catching them becomes more difficult. After spawning, burbot return to the deepest areas of the lake basin where they remain sedentary until the urge to feed and spawn draws them back into shallow water.

On deeper lakes, though, burbot often spawn later in the season and remain active for several weeks after ice-out. In Walker Bay on Leech Lake, for example, the best fishing often coincides with the annual Eelpout Festival in mid-February. During some years, burbot in deep lakes continue to feed aggressively until early May, when water temperatures reach the mid-40˚F range.

Active and aggressive, though, are relative terms. During a study on the winter movements of burbot in Bull Lake, Wyoming, biologists classified burbot that move more than three meters as “active.” Most of the radio-tagged fish were active only about two percent of the time, and one fish remained in the same location for 11 days. When fish did move, it was usually at sunset or after dark.

Presentation—Many anglers cut holes over the top of shallow reefs just before dark, then use tip-ups, rattle reels, or floats to suspend a lively baitfish a few inches above the rocks. Then they wait.

A more mobile approach, though, usually accounts for more fish. Starting in early afternoon, fish the edges of the lake basin in water as deep as 60 feet. Heavy jigging spoons tipped with a live minnow or a minnow head drop deep fast. The flash and vibration of the spoon attracts burbot, while the natural bait triggers a strike. Periodically dropping the bait to the bottom to produce noise and kick up sediment often tempts reluctant fish.

Phosphorescent jigging spoons or lures dressed with small pieces of a phosphorescent plastic grub are more visible to burbot in the depths or after dark. Try lures with a phosphorescent finish or modify existing lures with tape or jig paint.

An hour or two before sunset should find burbot anglers onto the first drop-off at the base of a shallow reef. After drilling a series of holes around the perimeter of the structure, fish each hole quickly with a swimming lure such as a #7 Jigging Rapala or a #3 Nils Master Jigger.

Tip the rear tine of the treble hook with a minnow head and drop the bait to the bottom. Raise the lure about three inches above the bottom, then snap the rod tip up a foot or so before dropping it six inches below the starting level. The lure swims out, turns, and hits bottom on the return swing.

Immediately after sunset and until the fishing begins to slow around midnight, move to the top of the reef where holes were drilled before dark. Slipfloat-style jigs poured on Kahle-style hooks are ideal for vertical presentations in shallow water. Insert the hook just behind the dorsal fin of a lively 3- to 5-inch shiner, and lower the jig on a tight line until the jig head rests on the bottom. Jiggle the rod tip for a second or two, then pause for several seconds.