Burbot Bash

Burbot(BUR-bot) was the catch at Flaming Gorge last week with almost 500 anglers joined forces to organize 153 teams and catch more than 4,000 fish weighing almost 4 tons. The Flaming Gorge Burbot Bash Derby purpose is to try and control the rising burbot population in the reservoir. The non-native species, which was illegally introduced, has been feeding ravenously on the Gorge’s sportfish population. In addition having the satisfaction of helping to improve one of the state’s best fisheries, participants in the derby were eligible to win prizes. If they caught a tagged burbot, they were entered in a drawing for $5,000. Plus there was an additional drawing for another $5,000 in prizes. The Vernal Express reports the Bash is the creation of the chambers of commerce in the Flaming Gorge, Rock Springs and Green River areas, and the state fish and wildlife agencies in Wyoming and Utah were cosponsors.