Flaming Gorge Burbot
by Don Allphin
January 15, 2007
Those who have followed this column over the years will most likely remember my off-handed comments about regulations relating to “burbot” caught in Flaming Gorge. Burbot look somewhat like cod and were illegally introduced some years back. They’re called “poor man’s lobster” around the country and are excellent table fare. They’ve stayed mostly in the upper end of the Gorge in the Blacks Fork or Green River arms, and they compete with other species in the reservoir for food. However, fishery managers continue to send mixed signals as to how they plan to deal with this new predatory threat.
The inconsistencies and mixed signals are most recognizable within the proclamation itself. Anglers are told they must immediately kill all burbot they catch, but then, the DWR sets a limit of 25 burbot per day. This tells me that although this species shouldn’t be in the reservoir, the decision has been made to manage it rather than to attempt to eradicate it.
In a recent article produced and distributed by the Division of Wildlife Resources entitled, “New Ice Fishing Adventure,” the unnamed author passes on some great tips for targeting burbot through the ice. “The best areas to start fishing are near the Firehole boat ramp, the Lost Dog area, and any rocky points in the Blacks Fork River arm.”
The article continues with a description of how to locate burbot within a given area. “Burbot feed in low-light conditions … from sundown to a few hours after dark. Try fishing between 20 and 25 feet deep over rocks and near deeper water.” Burbot tend to roam within a few inches of the bottom and feed on crayfish this time of year. “If you can only fish during the day,” the article continues, “try fishing deeper (50 to 60 feet down) in the old river channel.”
Burbot must feed on sucker sometime during the year because jigging spoons and jigs tipped with sucker meat are the most popular baits to use through the ice even though burbot feed on crayfish during the winter. The article recommends using “glow’ baits to attract the fish, and then when the fish come in close to inspect the glow bait the sucker meat seals the deal.
I have yet to see a burbot, but all this talk has me very curious. I just might have to take a trip out to the Gorge to see for myself. If a few of you would like to accompany me on an exploratory excursion, drop me an email and I’ll see if that can be arranged.
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