Wyoming Game and Fish invites anglers to 2022 ‘Burbot Bash’ at Flaming Gorge to help manage illegally introduced fish

Burbot, a nonnative fish species. (Lucy Wold, Wyoming Game and Fish Department)

CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to help with efforts to manage burbot at Flaming Gorge Reservoir by participating in upcoming fishing derbies.

Burbot is a species that was illegally introduced into the Green River drainage in the early 2000s, according to Game and Fish.

“Area fisheries biologists are concerned about burbot because they compete with sportfish for food and are a voracious predator that eats prized sportfish like trout that would otherwise be available for anglers to catch,” Game and Fish said. “Currently, one of the best options for controlling burbot numbers is angler harvest. The best times to catch burbot are at night and through the ice.”

The department is inviting anglers to participate in the 2022 Burbot Bash that will take place January 28-30 at Flaming Gorge.

“Thanks to great sponsorship, the Bash features large cash payouts and many other prizes for most, biggest, smallest, and tagged burbot categories,” Game and Fish said. “Check out burbotbash.com or www.facebook.com/BurbotBash for rules and online registration. In 2021, the Burbot Bash gave away over $60,000 in cash and prizes. The more participants, the higher the payouts will be.”

People are asked to register for the Burbot Bash online by January 24. There will be no on-site registration at this year’s event.

“As of Jan. 20, Flaming Gorge has 8 inches of ice as far south as Currant Creek bay, and ice continues to form south of there,” Fisheries Supervisor Robb Keith said in the Game and Fish announcement. “Safety on the ice should always be a priority in order to ensure the best experience for anglers. Anglers should proceed with caution onto the ice, and continue to observe the ice thickness while crossing the ice. Ice picks, a spud bar and a life jacket are also recommended while fishing through the ice.”

The Burbot Bash is being sponsored by:

  • The Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce
  • Mountain America Credit Union
  • Christenson’s Lakeshore Tackle

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