UTERBurbot fishing in Minnesota freshwater
In Minnesota 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: Eelpout on Lake of the Woods and Leech at night — spawning balls under the ice.
Not in Minnesota freshwater this month.
Burbot in Minnesota freshwater, month by month
- JanuarySpawningEelpout on Lake of the Woods and Leech at night — spawning balls under the ice.
- FebruarySpawningPeak of the under-ice spawn.
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish burbot near Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake
The land of lakes: walleye, pike, muskie, perch and crappie on ten thousand lakes, half the year through the ice — Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Red — plus the Rainy River's walleye and sturgeon.
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota freshwater November–April. January: Eelpout on Lake of the Woods and Leech at night — spawning balls under the ice.
Where do burbot hold in Minnesota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river — around Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Upper Red Lake, Lake Vermilion, Rainy River.
What is the best bait for burbot in Minnesota 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 Minnesota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html.
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