GREEN RIVER — This winter, anglers can participate in three fishing derbies and one angler harvest program in southwest Wyoming that promise to be a lot of fun, and also help to manage the state’s resources.

Registration is open now for the Burbot Bash through Jan. 18. The event is Jan. 23-25 at Flaming Gorge Reservoir and is hosted by Daggett County. Burbot were illegally introduced to the Green River drainage more than 20 years ago and anglers have played a major role in helping to reduce their impact ever since. The Burbot Bash started in 2011 and brings in about 800 participants each year. Over the years, anglers have harvested over 50,000 burbot during this derby alone. Anglers caught 4,675 burbot during the 2025 Burbot Bash and the hope is that number increases in 2026.

Another derby that targets illegally-introduced burbot is the Ding the Ling at Fontenelle Reservoir near LaBarge. That event is scheduled for Feb. 6-8. Anglers caught 1,277 burbot at last year’s event, and the largest was 36.2 inches long. This event is hosted by the LaBarge Events Committee and anglers should keep their eyes open for registration information on social media. 

There are also events focused on lake trout in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The Mac Attack, hosted by Buckboard Marina, is an opportunity for anglers to help reduce the number of small lake trout in Flaming Gorge. This derby is Feb 20-22. Previous Mac Attacks have harvested up to 900 lake trout during the two-day event with harvest limits in place. A new regulation that went into effect in Oct. 2024 on the Wyoming side of the reservoir and Jan. 1, 2025, on the Utah side allows anglers to harvest an unlimited number of lake trout less than or equal to 28 inches long. The combination of good angler participation and unlimited harvest can have a large and positive impact on the entire fishery.

Something new for anglers is the start of an Angler Harvest Program. This is a pilot program hosted by the Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce and runs from Jan. 1-April 30. There is no registration or cost to participate. There are cash rewards for the greatest number of lake trout harvested, tagged fish and random draws. All anglers need to do to participate is submit the heads of lake trout harvested, fill out a short survey and deposit the heads in a uniquely numbered bag at one of four freezers located around the reservoir. Additional details on how to participate in this program will be available on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir Management page, partner websites, and on freezers.

Anglers are reminded that while it is legal to waste burbot and lake trout from Flaming Gorge Reservoir, anglers are encouraged to consume or find someone that would like to consume their catch. If anglers decide to waste these fish, the best option is to eviscerate and release them back into the water to recycle their nutrients. The last option is to throw them away at home or in a dumpster around the reservoir. If anglers decide to throw them in the dumpster they should put them in a plastic bag for a cleaner and easier disposal.  

All events can be subject to change due to weather and safety conditions. Please refer back to the Game and Fish website often for any updates.

The Flaming Gorge Reservoir Management page has more information about Game and Fish’s work to manage the fishery on Flaming Gorge Reservoir and information on how and where to catch burbot and lake trout. Anglers are encouraged to seek out additional information on burbot and lake trout derbies from sponsored websites.

—WFGD—