Burbot

Lota lota

Also called eelpout or lawyer, burbot are Michigan's only freshwater cod and a prized target of winter ice anglers in the Great Lakes and deep inland lakes, especially in the U.P.

Seasonal Activity

Best Techniques

• ice fishing dead-stick with cut bait
• jigging heavy spoons tipped with minnow
• night fishing during winter

Top Baits

• cut sucker
• smelt
• large minnows
• glow jigging spoons

Michigan state record: 15.38 lb, 1980, Elephant Lake