What the Burbot Bash is and when it happens

The Flaming Gorge Burbot Bash is Utah's winter ice fishing tournament held on Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a large lake that straddles the Utah-Wyoming border near the town of Manila. The event runs for one day in late January or early February each year, drawing ice anglers who fish for burbot — a freshwater fish that feeds actively under the ice when other species have gone dormant. The exact date changes annually, so check with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area office before the season to confirm the current year's date.

Burbot are bottom feeders that live in deep, cold water and are most active at night and in winter. They look like a cross between a catfish and an eel, with a single barbel on their chin and a long body. Most anglers fish for them through holes in the ice using jigging techniques or tip-ups baited with live minnows or dead fish. The Bash gives you a structured day to fish alongside other people who share the same interest, with the chance to catch fish that most Utah anglers never pursue.

Key Takeaways

  • The Flaming Gorge Burbot Bash is a one-day winter ice fishing tournament held in late January or early February on Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
  • Burbot are nocturnal bottom feeders that bite actively under the ice when other fish are inactive, making winter the prime season to target them.
  • You will need an ice auger to cut holes, a fishing license, and basic ice fishing gear such as a jigging rod, tip-ups, and bait.
  • The tournament is open to the public and does not require pre-registration, though you should arrive early to secure a good fishing location on the ice.
  • Flaming Gorge's deep, cold water holds a healthy burbot population, and the tournament is a way to learn the species and meet other winter anglers.

Where to fish and how to get there

Flaming Gorge Reservoir covers about 42,000 acres and sits at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. The Utah side of the lake is accessed from Manila, a small town about 40 miles northeast of Vernal. From Vernal, take US Highway 191 north toward the Wyoming border; Manila is the last town before you reach the lake. The main boat ramps and access points are at Lucerne Valley Marina, Sheep Creek Bay, and Flaming Gorge Dam. For the Burbot Bash, most fishing happens on the main body of the reservoir in water 60 to 150 feet deep, where burbot congregate in winter.

The drive from Salt Lake City takes about four hours. Winter conditions on Highway 191 can be icy, so check road reports before you leave and bring chains or a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Once you arrive at the lake, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area visitor center can tell you which areas are safest for ice fishing that year — ice thickness varies, and not all parts of the lake freeze evenly. Never assume the ice is safe; always check current conditions with local rangers or marina staff before stepping onto it.

What gear and license you need

Utah fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license or an annual license through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or at sporting goods stores in Vernal and Manila. Burbot have no special season restrictions in Utah, so a standard fishing license covers you.

For ice fishing, you will need an ice auger to cut holes through the ice — a hand auger works for ice up to about 24 inches thick, but a powered auger is faster and less tiring if you plan to drill many holes. Bring a jigging rod (a short, stiff rod 24 to 36 inches long works well), a tip-up or two, and small jigs tipped with live minnows or dead fish such as shiners or herring. Burbot also bite on small spoons and jigging lures. Bring a headlamp or flashlight because burbot feed most actively at night, and winter darkness comes early. Dress in layers — the wind on the ice can be brutal, and staying warm is essential for a full day of fishing.

A bucket, ice skimmer, and thermometer are useful but not essential. The ice skimmer clears slush from your hole so you can see and fish more easily. A thermometer helps you find the depth where burbot are holding. Bring hand warmers, a thermos of hot coffee or soup, and snacks — you will be outside for hours in cold weather.

How to fish for burbot under the ice

Burbot are bottom feeders, so most of your fishing happens near the lake floor. Drill a hole and lower a small jig or spoon on a light line — 4- to 6-pound test works well. Drop it to the bottom, then jig it slowly with small, subtle movements. Burbot do not chase lures aggressively; they mouth baits and lures gently, so you need to pay attention to feel the bite. A bite often feels like a slight tug or a change in weight on the line.

Tip-ups are another effective method. Set a tip-up over a hole with a live minnow or small dead fish suspended a few feet above the bottom. When a burbot takes the bait, the flag pops up. Tip-ups let you fish multiple holes at once, which increases your chances of connecting with fish. Fish at night if you can — burbot are most active from sunset through the early morning hours. Many tournament anglers fish from dusk into the evening, then again in the hours before dawn.

Burbot often school in deep water, so if you are not catching fish in one spot after 30 minutes, move to a new hole. The main basin of Flaming Gorge, away from shallow bays, is where most burbot live. Depth finders are helpful if you have one, but asking other anglers where they are catching fish is often the fastest way to find productive water.

Tournament rules and what to expect

The Burbot Bash is a catch-and-release tournament, meaning you measure and photograph your fish, then return them to the water. The winner is typically determined by the largest single fish or the heaviest total catch, depending on the year's rules. Check with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area office for the specific scoring method and any size restrictions for that year's event.

The tournament is open to the public and does not require pre-registration. You simply show up on the day with your gear and fish. Arrive early — good ice fishing spots fill up quickly, and the best locations are claimed first. The event is informal and community-focused; most participants are there to fish, share techniques, and enjoy a day on the ice with other anglers. Weigh-in or check-in happens at a designated location (usually at one of the marinas or a central point on the ice) at the end of the fishing day.

Safety on winter ice and what can go wrong

Ice safety is non-negotiable. Never fish alone, and always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Wear a personal flotation device or ice fishing suit designed to keep you afloat if you break through. Carry a rope, a throw line, or ice picks so you can help yourself or someone else out of the water. Check ice thickness with locals or rangers — generally, 4 inches of clear ice is the minimum for walking, and 5 to 7 inches is safer for fishing. Slush, snow cover, and pressure cracks weaken ice, so avoid those areas.

Hypothermia sets in quickly in cold water. If you fall through, get out immediately and get to shelter and dry clothes. Wind chill on the ice can drop the temperature 20 or 30 degrees below the actual air temperature, so dress warmer than you think you need. Bring a charged cell phone in case of emergency. The Flaming Gorge area has spotty cell service, so know where the nearest ranger station or marina is before you head out.

Cooking and eating your catch

If you keep burbot (check current regulations, as rules change), they are excellent eating. Burbot have white, mild, flaky flesh similar to cod or haddock. The best approach is to fillet them and remove the skin. Because burbot are bottom feeders, rinse the fillets well and check for any muddy smell — a quick soak in cold water usually removes it.

Pan-fry burbot fillets in butter with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. The delicate flesh cooks quickly — 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat is enough. You can also poach them gently in broth, bake them with herbs, or bread and deep-fry them. Burbot's mild flavor means it pairs well with simple preparations that do not overpower the fish. Many anglers who fish the Bash keep a few fish for dinner and release the rest, which is a good practice for maintaining the population.

Getting to know the burbot and the community

Burbot are underrated fish in Utah. Most anglers focus on trout, walleye, and bass, so burbot receive little attention despite being abundant in Flaming Gorge and offering reliable winter fishing when other species are dormant. The Burbot Bash exists partly to introduce anglers to the species and to celebrate a fishery that deserves more recognition. Participating in the tournament is a way to learn from experienced burbot anglers, discover new techniques, and become part of a small but dedicated community.

The event also supports conservation. Participation and catch data help the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources monitor the burbot population and adjust management practices if needed. By fishing the Bash, you contribute to understanding how the species is doing and help ensure that future generations of anglers can fish for burbot at Flaming Gorge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register before the Burbot Bash?

No. The tournament is open to the public and does not require pre-registration. Show up on the day with your gear and fish. Arrive early to claim a good spot on the ice, as popular areas fill quickly.

What if the ice is not thick enough to fish safely?

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area monitor ice conditions and will communicate if the event is postponed or cancelled. Check with the ranger station or visitor center before you drive out. If you arrive and the ice is unsafe, do not fish — no tournament is worth the risk.

Can I keep the burbot I catch, or do I have to release them?

The Bash is a catch-and-release tournament, so you measure and photograph your fish, then return them. However, you can keep burbot under current Utah regulations outside the tournament if you want to eat them. Check the current fishing guidebook for any size or bag limits that apply.

What is the best bait for burbot?

Live minnows and small dead fish such as shiners, herring, or chubs work well. Burbot also bite on small jigging spoons and soft plastics. Experiment with what you have — burbot are not picky eaters, and they respond to movement and scent on the lake floor.

How far from Manila is the best fishing on Flaming Gorge?

The main basin of the reservoir, away from shallow bays, holds most burbot. This is typically 5 to 15 miles from Manila depending on which access point you use. Ask at the marina or visitor center for current hot spots — conditions and fish location change year to year.