UTERBurbot fishing in Maine freshwater
In Maine 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: Cusk through the ice on the northern lakes.
Not in Maine freshwater this month.
Burbot in Maine freshwater, month by month
- JanuarySpawningCusk through the ice on the northern lakes.
- FebruarySpawning
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish burbot near Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes
The brook trout and landlocked salmon state: thousands of cold lakes and ponds, famous rivers like the Kennebec and Grand Lake Stream, togue in the deep lakes, and bass in the southern lakes.
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 Maine 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 Maine freshwater November–April. January: Cusk through the ice on the northern lakes.
Where do burbot hold in Maine freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river — around Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Grand Lake Stream, Kennebec River, Belgrade Lakes.
What is the best bait for burbot in Maine 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 Maine freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and change — read the current rule at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/laws-rules/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/licenses-permits/index.html.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores burbot for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about burbot · Maine fresh water, the whole year