Wyoming Game and Fish reported today that fishing contests on Flaming Gorge are an important part of managing small lake trout in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Most recently, the annual Mac Attack Fishing Contest drew 156 participants to the 3-day event during which anglers caught and entered 575 small lake trout. These and upcoming fishing contests make a real difference in restoring the fishery. “Angler harvest is critical to reducing the overabundance of lake trout less than 23 inches in Flaming Gorge Reservoir,” shares Robb Keith, Green River fisheries supervisor. “In order to have abundant kokanee and stocked trout in the future, anglers need to do their part by targeting and harvesting small lake trout. These derbies provide a fun and possibly profitable way to participate in fisheries management on the Gorge.” Since 2017, seven different fishing contests have introduced small lake trout harvest categories to support fisheries management. These events have resulted in the removal of 7,476 small lake trout from Flaming Gorge Reservoir. If you’d like to join the effort, upcoming contests include the Flaming Gorge Derby in May, Hell on Reels in June, and Ducks Unlimited Derby also in June.
