Burbot ? The freshwater Cod

[PaulReilly]

Hello All,

I've recently read a report that stated there are Burbot in many eastern washington fisheries.

I've never heard of, or know anyone that targeted these species? I'd like to catch one to add it to my list of 'fish caught'

Anyone know any technics - how deep you need to fish, etc?

Any info on these fish would be appreciated!

[bpm2000]

They are in Chelan I believe! Never tried myself but sounds fun.

[hewesfisher]

I've also heard they are in Roosevelt, but I've never fished for, nor caught any there or anywhere else.

[Mike Carey]

As always, ten plus years of reports and articles on this site. Do a serch (the web site search, not the forum search) for burbot or fresh water lings.

Here's my article from lake Chelan:

Burbot

[Rollin with Rolland]

nice article Mike.

I have very little burbot experience. I have caught two in the midwest, landed one for a friend, and saw one other but got off next to the boat. Here is my experience.

I have caught two HUGE burbot (eelpout to me, most people in the midwest call them dogfish also) myself, both accidentally. They were both 28-30", and about 10 lbs. Funny enough, i was pike fishing with live bait (minnow) under a bobber both times. I swear both times i thought for sure they were pike, fought like son of a guns. To my surprise, once near the boat, i realized they WERE NOT PIKE!! I was surprised to see them hit live bait, pretty aggressive in my book. I did land a 6lber for a friend once, and that was on a walleye rig drifting. So they can be aggressive hunters. Biguns are a GREAT fight. Watch out also, as they are very slimy. I have never eaten one, and don't think i will. (ok, maybe once...i'll try anything once) let us know how you do...

Mike...how were those ones to fillet?? You say they tasted pretty good, huh?? are they like a catfish to clean?? I suppose once you get past the ugly mug and slime, they may have potential...

[Hal]

Ive caught a few as soon as the ice leaves banks lake, jigging for Walleye (3/8 jig, 3" twister tail with some crawler). Great fight, ugly as sin... Not that tasty fried, boiled in Mt.Dew dip in butter, not horrible.

[PaulReilly]

Mike - Great report, you are the master!

If anyone is guide or has a seat on a boat sometime, PM me - I need to catch one of these bad boys!

[Mike Carey]

Our guide, Anton, cleaned it, but no worse than cleaning a bullhead I guess, without the spikes. I thought they tasted rpetty good. I beieve they are called fesh-water lobster by some. I don't know if I'd go that far...

I think lake chelan is your best bet in this state although I know they are listed in other lakes along I-90 like Cle Elum and Keechelus.

[kevinb]

Our guide, Anton, cleaned it, but no worse than cleaning a bullhead I guess, without the spikes. I thought they tasted rpetty good. I beieve they are called fesh-water lobster by some. I don't know if I'd go that far...

I think lake chelan is your best bet in this state although I know they are listed in other lakes along I-90 like Cle Elum and Keechelus.

These lakes are loaded with 'em. But you forgot Kachess:-" haha

[Mike Carey]

that's right, thanks. BTW, the meat has a blue hue to it.

[VHMLLC]

great artical, you havent changed much in the last few years. i think i have to get up to chelan to try fishing for them some day.

[Hal]

aka Poor man's lobster...

aka eelpout...

aka wtf is that...

[Mike Carey]

great artical, you havent changed much in the last few years. i think i have to get up to chelan to try fishing for them some day.

Oh, a few more grey hairs and a little less energy and willingness to be miserable.

Try the lower basin, look for underwater humps. And be ready to catch macks if you jig because they will hit those same jigs you use for lings. Man, I've gtta get over there one of these years as well...

[db77]

About 5 years ago I caught 3 small ones about 8-12 inches out of Baker lake. I was fishing of the bottom at the mouth of feeder streams with nightcrawlers when I caught them.

[big fish lite line]

aka Poor man's lobster...

aka eelpout...

aka wtf is that...

lol:cheers:

[fishnislife]

Incredible article Mike. Very well written. I had never seen that before. Now I am curious about the fish, but not to the extent that I will go out and target them.
Are they decent fighters?



fishnislife

[Rollin with Rolland]

I swear both times i thought for sure they were pike, fought like son of a guns. Biguns are a GREAT fight.

IMO, yes fishn'....much like a big cat or carp or even.......PIKE!

[Anglinarcher]

I have not fished for them in WA, but I did in Montana (Canyon Ferry Res.) about 15 years ago. We ice fished for them, using 3/8 oz or bigger double curly tail jigs, usually in 50' or deeper water.

I agree, they are ugly, and they don't taste all that well fried IMHO. Nevertheless, poor man's lobster they can be. If you boil them in salt water (like a lobster), than dip them in seasoned butter (like a lobster), they are pretty darn good.

You know, that was the first time I ever saw anyone use WD-40 as a fish attractant scent.

[racfish]

Lake Kachees had Burbot for years.I know that they did a big poison of the lake a few years ago .I dont know if Burbot were put back in or not.

[Hal]

Avid Walleye guys will tell you they fight just like a Walleye, and I agree. Which usally isnt much a fight, unless the fish is over 5 pounds.