Burbot (Lota lota)
Uses

Sport fisheries occur throughout the natural range of burbot in Alaska. The largest fisheries occur in the Tanana River drainage and the lakes in the Upper Copper Upper Susitna area. Statewide harvest has been relatively modest compared to other species and has averaged about 5,600 fish the last ten years (2002-2011) with no apparent trend during that time period. These harvest numbers are down about 75% from the historical highs during the 1980’s before sound management practices were instituted.

Little is known of the burbot subsistence fisheries located throughout the state. Most burbot are likely incidentally caught by subsistence fisherman, but the practice of constructing wire mesh traps to capture migrating burbot during the winter is still used in some places of the state.