Burbot

Characteristics

A slender-shaped, smooth-skinned fish with a single, large barbel in the middle of its chin. The dorsal fin is divided, with a short first dorsal lobe that has 8 to 16 soft rays. The second lobe is low, long, and has 61 to 81 rays. The anal fin is nearly as long as the second dorsal and has 52 to 76 fin rays. The pelvic fins, with 5 to 8 rays, are inserted slightly ahead of the pectoral fins. Scales are so small that they are nearly invisible--except on large adults. Dark olive or brown back and sides with dark mottlings, and white or pale-yellow belly. Fins are similar in color to adjacent body parts. It can reach over 30-inches long and weigh over 12 pounds, but most fish in Iowa are considerably smaller.

Distribution

Uncommon in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It has been collected mostly in northeast Iowa. The Burbot has also been documented in the Turkey and Yellow Rivers as well as many small coldwater creeks. It is listed on the state’s threatened species list (571 IAC 77.2(2) (2015)).

Foods

Mainly mayfly nymphs and other insects while young; adults shift to a diet of fish and crayfish.

State Record

Not allowed for threatened or endangered species

Expert Tip

Burbot, also known as eelpout, are celebrated every year at a huge ice fishing festival held at Walker, Minnesota on Leech Lake. In Iowa, it is illegal to fish for, take or possess threatened or endangered species, including the Burbot.

Details

The Burbot is usually found in deep, cold waters of lakes, but may also be in the mainstream of large rivers or smaller cold water tributaries. It is secretive, hiding among piles of rocks, submerged logs, bridge supports and beds of aquatic vegetation during the day. Before 1950, it was found in the deep, cold waters of Lake Erie, moving into shallower water near tributary outflows in winter, though it has since declined in abundance. Juveniles are often found along rocky shorelines and in the mouths of tributaries.

The Burbot spawns in mid-winter or early spring before the ice melts. Spawning usually takes place at night with the eggs scattered over a sand or gravel bottom. Incubation lasts 4 to 8 weeks, dependent on water temperature. No care is given to the fry young. It is a rather isolated fish, hiding around underwater structure during the day and feeding actively at night over the stream bottom.

Burbot caught by anglers are a rare occurrence and usually generates curiosity from observers and anglers, mostly because of their unusual physical appearance. There is a wide difference of opinion about their edibility. Some northern states have attempted to encourage commercial use of Burbot, but have met with little success. 

These fish have minimal importance to anglers. It is viewed as endangered according to the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan, and is on the endangered species list in Iowa (571 IAC 77.2(2) (2015)).

Recent stream sampling information is available from Iowa DNR's biological monitoring and assessment program.

Sources:

Harlan, J.R., E.B. Speaker, and J. Mayhew. 1987. Iowa fish and fishing. Iowa Conservation Commission, Des Moines, Iowa. 323pp.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Wildlife Action Plan

Loan-Wilsey, A. K., C. L. Pierce, K. L. Kane, P. D. Brown and R. L. McNeely. 2005. The Iowa Aquatic Gap Analysis Project Final Report. Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Iowa State University, Ames

Illustration by Maynard Reece, from Iowa Fish and Fishing