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Utah Field Guide: Burbot


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The burbot is unlike any fish found in Utah or the world for that matter. They are not native to Utah or wanted in other Utah waters.

Burbot spawn in the winter, typically under the ice. They are broadcast spawners, which means, females release their eggs into the water column and males simultaneously release milt. An individual female can produce over a million eggs.

The burbot prefers cold waters, where individuals are usually found near the bottom. Young burbot eat aquatic invertebrates, whereas adults prey almost exclusively on fish. In Flaming Gorge biologists have observed burbot eating all species of fish, including other burbot.

For the past two years biologists have documented a 34% decline in the burbot population in the gorge and believe angler exploitation is a major tool in controlling their numbers. To learn more or to watch an instructional video from Ryan Mosely on how to catch burbot. Check out our Utah Field Guide on our outdoors page at KSLTV.com.

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Adam Eakle

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