Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Ice fishing enthusiasts will have two chances in the coming weeks to catch unlimited fish and win prizes in the process.
Burbot Bash
With an ugly mug like a bizarre eel-catfish hybrid, the burbot is an invasive species in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Being a skilled predator, the burbot has had a particularly detrimental effect on the populations of the native kokanee salmon and trout, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources.
To decrease the number of burbot in the reservoir, the Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce has organized the annual Burbot Bash, a challenge to licensed fishers to catch as many burbot as possible. The ice fishing tournament starts Friday, Jan. 22 and runs until Sunday, Jan. 24 when a closing ceremony will be held at the Manila Rodeo Grounds. Participants can either pay and register online before the competition or pay cash to register on-site.
Fish Lake Perch Tournament ==========================
On Saturday, Jan. 30, head to Richfield to catch an unlimited amount of yellow perch at the Fish Lake Perch Tournament. Starting at 8 a.m. and concluding at 2 p.m., the free ice fishing tournament is put on by DWR in conjunction with Fish Lake Resorts, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and others. Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife have contributed $3,500 in prizes, including 10 firearms.
ATVs and snowmobiles will not be allowed at this event in order to alleviate congested parking.
Richard Hepworth, regional aquatics manager of the DWR, commended the results of last year's event and has high hopes for this year.
"What a great way to have fun, win prizes and improve a fishery, all at the same time," Hepworth said.
Anglers must have a valid state fishing license to participate in both tournaments.
Sean Stoker is a journalism student at UVU interning for KSL.com. He runs a YouTube channel called QuestSeans. Follow him on Twitter @theroyalthey or reach him by email at sean.stoker7@gmail.com.
