The burbot is one of the most unattractive freshwater fishes native to Alaska. Its external features have been responsible for much prejudice against it. But it is a popular recreational fish. They bite readily on baits of all kind, and are very popular to winter ice-fishing enthusiasts. They are relatives of the codfish family and prefer to live in deep lake water. They are known by a variety of names like ling, freshwater lush and eel pout. The scientific name, Lota Iota, came from the old French "Lotte" which is equivalent in English to "pout."

On the underside of the chin near the tip there is a single prominent barbel, or "chin whisker." It also has two dorsal fins occurring along its back. The dorsal fins and anal fins run from the middle of the body almost to the tail which is rounded rather than square or forked. They are characterized by their eel-like body shape and olive-black skin coloration interspersed with yellow mottles and they appear to be scaleless although they actually have a small microscopic scale.

Burbot are found throughout Interior Alaska and are common in Canada, the Great Lakes Basin, and the Northern Rocky Mountain States. In Siberia and Northern Europe the same species exists. They generally prefer cool, deep lake waters and have been reported at depths of 700 feet. Here in Alaska they are found in streams and in lakes of all sizes, such as Lake Louise, Lake Tyone and Lake Susitna.

In Alaska, Burbot become sexually mature when they reach a length of 12-18 inches. At this time they are four to seven years old. Spawning occurs from February-April. As the adult fish move through shallow water, eggs and milt are discharged. The fertilized eggs then sink to the bottom where they remain until they hatch. Burbot grow slowly and live for more than 16 years.

Lois Moore