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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Warm weather is granting a reprieve to the humble burbot (BUR'-but), a fish much sought after by anglers as they compete to win big prize money at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Lack of ice is causing problems for two ice-fishing tournaments designed to encourage anglers to catch as many burbot from Flaming Gorge as possible.
The problem with burbot is they were illegally introduced to the Green River drainage. Now the eel-like fish are out-competing popular game species including lake trout and kokanee salmon.
This weekend's Burbot Classic tournament is still on despite thin ice but this year fishing from boats and shore will be allowed. Insufficient ice cancelled last weekend's Burbot Bash tournament.
Catching a specially tagged burbot can win $10,000, a prize claimed by one fisherman last year.
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