Species

Burbot

The only member of the cod family in fresh water: a nocturnal bottom predator with a chin barbel that is most active in winter.

Lota lota

Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, adjusted to 3:2

Spawning: November to March, at night over sand or gravel (general guide, varies by region)
German Red List: highly threatened
Typical method: Bottom fishing
Top bait: Lobworm

Plan a day fishing for Burbot

How to recognise it

Long barbel on the chin, plus two short barbels at the nostrils
Two dorsal fins, the second very long, plus a long anal fin
Brown marbled body, flattened from the sides towards the tail

Easily confused with: Reminds you of an eel or a small wels catfish; however, the burbot has only one long barbel on the chin and two separate dorsal fins.

How to catch it

Methods: Bottom fishing, Float fishing just above the bottom

Baits: Lobworm, Bunch of lobworms, Fish strips, Small dead bait fish

In the cold season, in the evening and at night; in summer it eats much less.

Habitat and food

Deep lakes and cool rivers with a gravel or sandy bed, also in the brackish water of river mouths. Hidden during the day under roots, stones and in dense vegetation; it avoids muddy bottoms.

Small burbot eat small bottom-dwelling creatures, larger ones mainly fish such as gudgeon, plus fish eggs.

Size and age

Usually no bigger than 40 cm, in exceptional cases up to 150 cm and 34 kg; life expectancy usually 10 to 12 years, undisturbed up to 15 years (Wikipedia). FishBase: max. 152 cm, heaviest published weight 34 kg, maximum age 20 years.

Protection and rules

Conservation status: German Red List (freshwater fish 2023): highly threatened, in 2009 still on the early warning list (Vorwarnliste). IUCN: not threatened (Least Concern, 2022). Check the local rules before you go fishing.

Check the rules

Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.

In the kitchen

Regarded as an excellent food fish; the large liver in particular was already sought after in ancient times. Because it is so threatened, only keep burbot where it is allowed, and do so mindfully.

Sources (3)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

Know more?

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