Anglers asked to target overabundant lake trout ‘pups’ at new Flaming Gorge ‘Pupulation Domination Contest’

CASPER, Wyo. — Wyoming Game and Fish said on Wednesday that its agency and the Utah Division of Wildlife are working to reduce the population of small lake trout “pups” at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

“There is currently an abundance of small lake trout less than 24 inches in Flaming Gorge and they need to be thinned for the health of the whole fishery.” Game and Fish Green River Fisheries Supervisor Robb Keith said.

The overabundant lake trout pups feed opportunistically on small trout and salmon and are having an impact on those populations.

“Particularly concerning is the impact that pups can have on the kokanee salmon,” Game and Fish said. “To the dismay of the anglers, populations of small lake trout in other Western fisheries have devastated kokanee fisheries by consuming vast amounts of small, juvenile kokanee. This is exactly what managers are trying to avoid on Flaming Gorge.”

Game and Fish said that a new derby called the “Pupulation Domination Contest” asks anglers to help target lake trout pups at Flaming Gorge. That derby, organized by the Buckboard Marina, will be held February 12-13.

“This is a total pound contest, where the top five teams with the heaviest average weight of lake trout less than 25 inches win,” Game and Fish said. “Lake trout 25 inches or longer will be disqualified from the contest. Teams can consist of 2-4 anglers, and the average weight will be determined by dividing the total pounds of lake trout entered by the number of team members.”

“The top 5 teams will be paid-out, with first place taking home 40% of the entry fees. Register for the Pupulation Domination contest here; the fee is $50 per person.”

Game and Fish said that ice continues to build on Flaming Gorge and that increases the amount of habitat accessible to anglers.

“Anglers who participate in the Pupulation Domination Contest on Feb. 12-13 should also consider registering for the Pupulation Control Contest, which began in October 2021 and continues through June 12, 2022,” Game and Fish said. “Anglers who are registered for the Pupulation Control Contest and turn in a tagged trout will receive an instant cash payout from Buckboard Marina. Entries to the Pupulation Control Contest are $25 per adult and $10 per youth.”

“So put a team together with your family and friends, register for the Pupulation Domination Contest, and test your lake trout fishing skills against other anglers. Whether your team enters a few or many lake trout, you will be helping manage the fishery in Flaming Gorge Reservoir.”

Comments are closed.