Accessibility and chances to catch it
Also known as
Eelpout
Where to find it
- St. Lawrence River, large cold-water rivers, lake bottoms.
- It is usually fished during their spawning season (winter).
Why anglers like it
- It has thin, delicious flaky meat that tastes a bit like cod.
- When the meat is steamed or poached, it resembles and tastes like lobster.
- It is enjoyable to fish during winter.
Pro tips and tricks
- It is caught using night lines (left unattended) in the waters of lac Saint-Jean
- It is caught using a tip-up or a jig stick in bodies of water where ice fishing is allowed and where burbots can be found.
- Its favourite bait is minnow, but it also likes earthworms, leeches and pieces of meat.
- It likes taking its time before swallowing. You have to let it swim away with the bait before retrieving it.
- It is easier to fish in the evening or at night.
The chef’s recommendation
Brochette de lotte (Ricardo) (in French only)
How to recognize it
- Average length: 35 to 50 cm.
- Its long, robust body makes it look like a cross between an eel and a bullhead.
- It has a big, flat, triangular head, tiny teeth in many rows, a chin barbel and 2 big dorsal fins.
Good to know
Night lines in lac Saint-Jean (without surveillance at night)
- Required licence : Fishing for burbot in lac Saint-Jean.
- From December 20 to March 31, without any catch limit
- 2 lines with a maximum of 10 hooks each at the bottom of the water
- Each line must be identified with one of the tags issued with a licence, affixed to the identification marker
With tip-ups or jig sticks
- Required licence : Sport fishing (except Atlantic salmon).
- From December 20 to March 31, without any catch limit
- 5 to 10 lines depending on the fishing zone.
- The lines have to be kept under close and constant surveillance by the angler