A Guide to Angling for Burbot in the Shuswap Region
The Shuswap region, a jewel in British Columbia’s interior, is renowned for its stunning lakes and diverse fishing opportunities. While salmon and trout often steal the spotlight, a unique and rewarding experience awaits those willing to delve into the depths: fishing for burbot. Also known as freshwater ling or “poor man’s lobster” for their delicious white flesh, burbot offer a fantastic fishery, especially for those who embrace the quiet solitude of night and the crisp air of the cooler months.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to successfully target these enigmatic bottom-dwellers in the magnificent waters of Shuswap Lake and its surrounding tributaries.
Understanding the Quarry: The Peculiar Burbot
The burbot (Lota lota) is a fascinating and somewhat prehistoric-looking fish. As the only freshwater member of the cod family, it possesses a unique elongated, eel-like body, a single prominent barbel on its chin, and a mottled, slimy skin that provides excellent camouflage. Understanding their behaviour is key to a successful fishing trip.
Burbot are primarily nocturnal predators, their activity peaking during the twilight hours and into the dead of night. They are true bottom-feeders, using their keen sense of smell and the sensitive barbel to locate prey in the dark depths. Their diet consists mainly of other fish, such as sculpins, kokanee, and whitefish, as well as insects and crayfish.
One of the most intriguing aspects of burbot behaviour is their spawning season. Unlike most other fish in the region, burbot spawn in the dead of winter, often under the ice. During this time, from late fall through the winter months, they congregate in shallower, gravelly, or rocky areas, making them more accessible to anglers.
Gearing Up for the Hunt
Targeting burbot doesn’t require an overly specialized or expensive setup, but having the right gear will significantly increase your chances of success.
Rods and Reels: A medium to medium-heavy action spinning or baitcasting rod, typically between 6 and 8 feet in length, is ideal. This provides enough backbone to handle a heavy weight and a potentially large fish. Pair it with a reliable reel with a good drag system, spooled with 10- to 20-pound test monofilament or braided line. In the clear waters of the Shuswap, a fluorocarbon leader of a similar or slightly lighter test is recommended to reduce visibility.
Rigs and Tackle: The most common and effective method for still-fishing for burbot is a simple bottom rig. This typically consists of:
- Weight: A 1- to 3-ounce slip sinker or pyramid weight is usually sufficient to keep your bait on the bottom, depending on the depth and current.
- Swivel: A barrel swivel is used to connect your mainline to your leader, preventing line twist.
- Leader: A 12- to 24-inch fluorocarbon leader.
- Hook: A single bait hook in sizes 1/0 to 4/0 is a good starting point. Circle hooks are also an excellent choice as they often result in a solid hook-set in the corner of the fish’s mouth, making for an easier release if desired.
Lures: While bait is king for burbot, jigging can also be a highly effective and engaging technique. Heavy, glow-in-the-dark spoons and jigs are the go-to lures. Look for lures that are at least an ounce in weight to get down to the bottom quickly. Tipping your jig with a piece of bait will significantly increase its appeal. Rattling lures can also be effective in attracting burbot from a distance in the dark water.
Essential Accessories:
- Headlamp or Lantern: A reliable light source is non-negotiable for night fishing.
- Bait: Fresh bait is crucial. Popular choices in the Shuswap include herring, salmon pieces, sucker minnows, or even large dew worms.
- Rod Holder: A rod holder will allow you to fish hands-free and detect subtle bites.
- Pliers: A good pair of pliers is essential for removing hooks from the bony mouths of burbot.
- Warm Clothing: The best burbot fishing often occurs in cold weather. Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear.
Finding Your Spot: Where to Fish in the Shuswap
Burbot in Shuswap Lake are creatures of the deep for most of the year. Focus your efforts on the following types of locations:
- Deep Holes: Use a depth finder or a bathymetric map to locate deep pockets and holes in the lakebed.
- Drop-offs and Ledges: Sharp drop-offs and underwater ledges are natural travel corridors and feeding areas for burbot.
- Rocky and Gravelly Bottoms: These areas provide excellent habitat for the crayfish and small fish that burbot prey on. They are also prime spawning grounds in the winter.
- River Mouths: The mouths of rivers and large creeks entering Shuswap Lake can be productive spots, especially during the fall and winter as burbot may move towards these areas.
Some general areas of Shuswap Lake that have been known to produce burbot include the deeper sections of the main arm, as well as the mouths of major tributaries. Don’t be afraid to explore and find your own honey holes.
The Art of the Hunt: Techniques for Success
Still-Fishing: This is the most popular and often the most productive method for catching burbot.
- Set Up: Cast your baited bottom rig out and allow the weight to settle on the bottom.
- Patience is Key: Once your bait is on the bottom, place your rod in a holder and watch the tip for any signs of a bite. Burbot bites can range from a subtle tap to a more aggressive pull.
- The Hook-Set: When you detect a bite, reel in any slack line and give a firm, steady hook-set.
Jigging: This active technique can be very effective, especially when you’ve located a concentration of fish.
- Get to the Bottom: Drop your heavy, baited jig directly to the bottom.
- Pound the Bottom: A key to attracting burbot is to create a disturbance. Lift your jig a foot or two off the bottom and let it fall back down with a thud. This will kick up sediment and create vibrations that draw in curious burbot.
- Vary Your Jigging Action: Experiment with different jigging motions, from sharp, aggressive lifts to slower, more subtle twitches. Pausing for a few seconds between jigs can often trigger a strike.
The Prime Time: When to Go
As mentioned, nighttime is the right time for burbot fishing. The period from sunset until a few hours after dark is often the most productive. Fishing through the night can also yield excellent results, especially during the winter months.
Seasonally, the fall and winter are prime time for burbot in the Shuswap. As the water cools, they become more active and move into shallower areas to spawn, making them easier to target. Ice fishing for burbot is a popular and very effective winter pastime in the region.
Regulations and Conservation
Before heading out, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the current British Columbia freshwater fishing regulations for Region 3 (Thompson-Nicola), which includes Shuswap Lake. As of the 2023-2025 regulations, the daily quota for burbot in Region 3 is two (2). There are no specific size limits or seasonal closures for burbot listed for Shuswap Lake itself, meaning the regional regulations apply. However, regulations can change, so always check the latest version of the synopsis before your trip.
It’s also important to note the general regulations for the region, such as the requirement for a single barbless hook in all streams year-round and the seasonal closures for stream fishing.
Responsible angling practices are essential for maintaining a healthy fishery. Only keep what you plan to eat and handle any fish you release with care.
The Reward: A Culinary Delight
The effort of a cold night on the water is well worth it when you get to enjoy the exceptional table fare that burbot provides. Their firm, white, and mild-tasting flesh has a texture similar to lobster, making them perfect for a variety of recipes. They are excellent when battered and fried for classic fish and chips, boiled and dipped in garlic butter, or used in chowders and stews.
Fishing for burbot in the Shuswap is more than just a fishing trip; it’s an adventure that connects you with the quieter, more mysterious side of this incredible watershed. So, bundle up, embrace the darkness, and get ready to experience the thrill of mastering the deep and a delicious reward for your efforts.