Burbot Fishing From the Ice

When to Fish

• If you want to catch burbot at the dark, the best months are: November – March

• Best time of day: Evening to late night (16:00–19:00 often best)

• They feed most during very cold weather and low light

Burbot even spawn in february,  depend of country offcourse, which is why they stay active under the ice while many fish slow down.

Where to Find Them

Look for:

• Deep basins near structure

• Rocky bottoms

• Edges of drop-offs

• Areas near river mouths or current

Typical depth:

• 5–35 m depending on the lake.

During feeding they often move shallower at night, sometimes surprisingly close to shore.

Best Baits

Burbot rely heavily on smell. Natural bait works best:

• Dead smelt

• Herring pieces

• Minnows

• Fish heads

• Cut bait

A very simple rig works well:

• Heavy jig or sinker

• Short leader

• Large single hook

Tip-ups or simple bottom rigs are extremely effective.

Technique

1. Fish right on the bottom.
   Burbot usually feed directly on the lake floor.

2. Make noise.
   Tap the weight on the bottom to attract them.

3. Use scent.
   Strong smelling bait helps a lot.

4. Be patient.
   When burbot arrive, they often come in groups.

Bite and Fight

The bite often feels like:

• Heavy weight

• Slow pull

• Sometimes just a dead stop

They fight with rolling and twisting, which is why a strong leader helps.