Burbot in Wisconsin
Where burbot swim in Wisconsin, and the rules.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 18 lbs. 2 oz.record
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Wisconsin burbot in brief
Burbot (Lota lota) is a member of the Codfishes (Gadidae), classed by the WDNR as rough fish. Anglers on general inland waters follow None; no minimum length, with the season set at Open all year.
Top of the hook and line list: 18 lbs. 2 oz. out of Lake Superior in 2002.
Spawning and range of burbot, per the WDNR
“The burbot (or lawyer, eelpout, or freshwater cod) is an elongate, cylindrical fish with 2 dorsal fins, a long anal fin, and pelvic fins in front of the pectoral fins. Adults are uniformly yellow or light brown to black or mottled with dark brown or black on back and sides. Young fish conspicuously speckled with dark vermiculations. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are mottled. The burbot frequents cool waters of large rivers, and the lower reaches of their tributaries, and lakes — particularly in northern Wisconsin.”
- eelpout, lawyeralso called
Quoted from the WDNR fish page, checked October 2026.
Every Wisconsin limit row for burbot
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | Open all year |
| All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Winnebago System waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
burbot on the state record list
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 18 lbs. 2 oz. | Lake Superior | Bayfield | 2002 |
| live release | 36 in | Lake Michigan | Ozaukee | 2025 |
| alternate method | 7 lbs. 5.6 oz. | Lake Michigan | Milwaukee | 2025 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Wisconsin cousins of burbot
- WalleyePerches (Percidae)
- SaugerPerches (Percidae)
- SaugeyePerches (Percidae)
- Yellow perchPerches (Percidae)
- Northern pikePikes (Esocidae)
- MuskellungePikes (Esocidae)
- Tiger muskellungePikes (Esocidae)
- Grass pickerelPikes (Esocidae)
- Largemouth bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Smallmouth bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Rock bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- BluegillSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
For the largemouth herePiscifun AlinoX 300 low profile baitcaster34% OFFSale $104.99 Water close to Burbot in photographs
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Short answers on Wisconsin burbot
What is the Wisconsin bag limit for burbot?
None; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
Which water holds the burbot record?
18 lbs. 2 oz. from Lake Superior in 2002 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin water is a good bet for burbot?
No water page names it.
Where were burbot stocked?
No 2023 to 2025 stocking row names it.
What else is burbot called?
Lota lota, Codfishes (Gadidae); rough fish.
When is burbot season open in Wisconsin?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do I need a stamp for burbot?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Which guides target burbot?
Check the guides page; none name it.
Target burbot on Wisconsin water
Every listed water has its own Wisconsin page.