Eelpout...how have i never heard of these guys before?

[MN_Rebel]

I figured ud have one mnrebel as the show on tv was in mn lol...apparently they can be found in lale erie aswell up my way so ill have to give it a long shot and try to catch one.

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Or you can go capture some YOY eelpouts in the creeks that runs into the lake that hold eelpout populations. The YOY eelpouts are usually hide under the rocks. Surprisingly the YOY eelpouts can handle upper 70's and low 80's in shallow waters as long as theres some current.

Right now the eelpout at my workplace is around 9" and is being a pig. Surprisingly he don't touch the sole surviving fathead minnow in there.

 

[Chub_by]

That's cool to know MN-Rebel. May I ask where you work at?

 

[MN_Rebel]

That's cool to know MN-Rebel. May I ask where you work at?

Minnesota DNR Fisheries & Aquatic Invasive Species dept

 

[FLESHY]

I meant in the US hobby.

Everything MN said was spot on.

I collect mine from tribs that flow into prime Lota lota territory.

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[Andrew1002]

Ive heard of burbot before. If these are the same thing. They live in like 100+ feet of water and they are very coldwater fish. Cool looking fish too. Youll definetly need a chiller to keep one

 

[MN_Rebel]

Ive heard of burbot before. If these are the same thing. They live in like 100+ feet of water and they are very coldwater fish. Cool looking fish too. Youll definetly need a chiller to keep one

They don't always live in 100+ feet deep lakes as they may be found in shallow lakes or even shallow rivers. We do captured some adult eelpouts in less than 8 feet deep parts during summer in the trapnets. There's few reports of eelpouts being caught by summer walleye fishermen in Lake Mille Lacs in less than 10 feet deep parts. It's true that eelpouts are "coolwater" or "deepwater" fish but they don't always keep their word true. But this fish do not need a chiller if the temperature is in low 70's.

 

[snake8myelbo]

They are an invasive species here in Utah. Being they can survive in cold waters they are probably illegal? I went to a small ice fishing Derby like the one on TV. It was a blast! They taste pretty good too!

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[wednesday13]

Minnesota DNR Fisheries & Aquatic Invasive Species dept

Didnt know u were a part of the DNR! Thats gotta be a pretty cool gig. What does YOY stand for lol...ive came across that term for longnose gar aswell as was confused.

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[MN_Rebel]

YOY means young of year. This term usually preffered to the fry who was born this year.

 

[Shenanigans]

Andrew, burbot, cusk, and eelpout are all regional names for Lota lota. They will tolerate higher temps but only if the water is sufficiently oxygenated. As MNrebel said, YOY fish are found in hot tributaries, but only with a current that adds oxygen. Keeping adults would best be done with a chiller but big aerators will work. They are beautiful fish, but are not active and will sit on bottom for long periods of time until they get hungry or want a better hide. They are very easy to keep as long as either cool water or high oxygen is provided. Cool water also naturally holds more oxygen