It was another successful year for the Burbot Bash at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. 212 teams made up of 695 participants competed. $39,000 dollars in prizes were given away, resulting in about 150 prizes. Bo Egbert had the biggest catch of the day at 34.4 inches. The smallest catch of the day was Payden Bruckner at 8.6 inches. The Wild Turkeys were the top team and by a long shot with 289 burbot. Burbaholics Anonymous took second with 189. Burbot are a freshwater cod that were illegally stocked in Flaming Gorge and have been an unwelcome invader ever since. The annual Burbot Bash and other fishing derbies are a proactive way to deal with the problem. Since 2011, anglers from the derby have removed over 25,000 burbot. Over 3,800 burbot were caught during this year’s competition.
