What Divers Should Know About Burbot

Plunge into the frigid depths of large, cold freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the Northern Hemisphere, and you might just encounter the enigmatic burbot. These coldwater specialists typically dwell below the thermocline during warmer months, often found in deep environments; in Lake Superior, they've been recorded at impressive depths below 300m (980 ft). As true benthic residents, they favor a variety of substrates from mud to gravel, often constructing extensive burrows for shelter throughout the day. Divers exploring the Great Lakes, especially Erie, have a good chance of spotting these unique fish.

Distinguished by its serpent-like body, which appears to be a blend of a catfish and an eel, the burbot is instantly recognizable by the single barbel prominently located on its chin. With small fins indicating a preference for a calm, bottom-dwelling lifestyle, they possess low swimming endurance and avoid strong currents. This means patient divers are most likely to observe them in their burrows or as they slowly navigate the bottom during their active crepuscular hunting periods around dawn and dusk. Their shy nature makes for a rewarding, if sometimes challenging, encounter.