Burbot in Lake Erie?

[West Basin]

Burbot are now fairly common in Lake Erie. Yes, they are not usually found in the Western Basin since their preferred habitat is deeper and cooler water. Yes, they are occasionally caught in the Western Basin during winter, spring, or fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Shore fisherman sometimes catch them in the Central and Eastern Basins. So if you catch a fish that doesn't look anything like a walleye or other common Western Basin fish, it has a long dorsal fin and a rounded tail and brown / green color with a black blotch pattern or modeling and a few small barbels on the front of the head (like a catfish) it is probably a Burbot.

Info: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-...ex/fish/burbot

[Madd Matt]

Thanks for the replies. West Basin, I've heard that they are good to eat too and the research I've found online suggests the same. It intrigues me that I've never heard of them being caught. We get the occasional Steelhead in the western basin, I've seen Long Nose Gar that have been caught over here, I've "heard" of the allusive Muskie being caught, etc.. But never even knew Burbot where in the Lake.

Rscotfish, where was your dock?

[wakina]

Thanks for the replies. West Basin, I've heard that they are good to eat too and the research I've found online suggests the same. It intrigues me that I've never heard of them being caught. We get the occasional Steelhead in the western basin, I've seen Long Nose Gar that have been caught over here, I've "heard" of the allusive Muskie being caught, etc.. But never even knew Burbot where in the Lake.

Rscotfish, where was your dock?

They are also called Ling Cod and Eelpout although Eelpout is accepted in some circles and considered a different species in others. Burbot resembles a Bowfin in several ways and can be confused by some due to this resemblance.