Scientific name
Lota lota
Swedish name
Lake
Maximum length
up to 98 cm
Maximum weight
up to 8,5 kg
Spawning
Dezember–März im Flachen
Swedish record
8,5 kg · 98 cm · 1996

Technique in brief

Burbot are caught in winter and at night, not in summer. A bottom rig with dead baitfish, worm or prawn, set out at dusk and fished through the night, is the classic method. When ice fishing, heavy pirks are worked directly on the bottom, preferably with a piece of fish scrap on the hook.

Tackle

A powerful bottom-fishing rod with a casting weight of 60–120 g, robust line and a bottom weight are entirely sufficient. For night sessions, bite indicators, a head torch and warm clothing are essential equipment — the best nights are the coldest.

Handling the catch

The burbot is slimy and difficult to grip; a damp cloth helps more than any grip. As the stock is declining, restraint in taking fish is worthwhile, particularly with spawning fish in midwinter.

Season by country

  1. Jan Prime time
  2. Feb Prime time
  3. Mar Good
  4. Apr Quiet
  5. May Quiet
  6. Jun Quiet
  7. Jul Quiet
  8. Aug Quiet
  9. Sep Good
  10. Oct Good
  11. Nov Good
  12. Dec Prime time

Prime time · Good · Quiet

The calendar shows bite windows, not closed seasons. Binding closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by the individual water and appear on its page.

Where in Scandinavia

Official sources

Checked: 04.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

When do you catch burbot in Sweden?

In winter, and almost exclusively at night. December to February around the spawning period is the best time; in summer, the species stays too deep and is too inactive to be targeted.

Why is the burbot considered vulnerable?

It needs cold, oxygen-rich water. Rising water temperatures reduce its habitat, which is why it is included on the Swedish Red List.

Which bait works for burbot?

Dead baitfish, a bunch of lobworms or a prawn on a bottom rig. When ice fishing, use a heavy pirk with a fish scrap, worked directly on the bottom.