UTERBurbot fishing in Alaska freshwater
In Alaska freshwater, burbot peak December–March and are around November–April, spawning in January–February, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Burbot on set lines through the interior ice.
Not in Alaska freshwater this month.
Burbot in Alaska freshwater, month by month
- JanuarySpawningBurbot on set lines through the interior ice.
- FebruarySpawning
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish burbot near Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley
More running fresh water than the rest of the country put together: salmon rivers from the Kenai to Bristol Bay, rainbow and grayling streams, and thousands of interior lakes with lake trout, pike and burbot under ice half the year.
What to use for burbot
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 33–58°F water, best at 34–45°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch burbot in Alaska freshwater?
Peak season is December–March, with fish spawning in January–February (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Burbot are in Alaska freshwater November–April. January: Burbot on set lines through the interior ice.
Where do burbot hold in Alaska freshwater?
Look on lake, river — around Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley, Bristol Bay rivers, Chena River, Copper River.
What is the best bait for burbot in Alaska freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for burbot in Alaska freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and change — read the current rule at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.main before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main.
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All about burbot · Alaska fresh water, the whole year