Green River fisheries Supervisor Robb Keith says there is an unlimited harvest on ling, or burbot, in the Green River Drainage and there are some proven ways to catch them.

"We know ling are very active in the winter and we just experience a banner ice fishing season for ling," says Keith. "However, after talking to anglers we are learning that anglers can catch ling during the summer months, utilizing some different techniques and tactics. The first thing anglers will have to do is wait to fish until the sun goes down and the temperature cools off."

"Depth of the water is also important. Anglers are catching large numbers of ling in 39 to 56 feet of water. Most fish came from 40 feet, dead on the bottom, using sucker meat on glow grubs. Any rocky point up-lake from Holmes Crossing is holding large numbers of ling. There are plenty of ling in the 20 to 26-inch size class. We also know of one angler who caught a ling measuring 33 inches long and weighed in around five pounds."

Keith says safety is a concern when fishing at night and anglers will have to be extra cautious.

"Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a huge place and one can get lost easily during the daylight hours, so being out on the Gorge at night will require anglers be attentive to their surroundings. In addition, safety equipment on your watercraft must be in compliance with Wyoming watercraft regulations. We want anglers to catch ling, but we want to make sure they do it safely."

Motorized watercraft are required to possess an efficient sound-producing device. In addition, Wyoming law states that every watercraft underway on the water from sunset to sunrise shall carry and exhibit lights. There are very specific rules applying to sound producing devices and watercraft lights according to the size of the watercraft. The lighting regulations can be found on page 41 of the 2008-2009 Wyoming Watercraft Regulations and sound producing device information is located on page 44.

"We highly recommend wearing life jackets," said Keith. "The laws dictates that all watercraft shall carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) of suitable size for each person onboard. And, if you are operating a watercraft 16 feet and over, you must have a minimum of one throwable device, ring buoy or buoyant cushion on board the watercraft."

"Most importantly, make sure you tell someone where you are going to be fishing and when you plan to return. If you change your plans you need to let someone know that."

Keith said many new fishing regulations went into effect Jan. 1, 2008.

"There is unlimited harvest on ling and walleye in the Green River Drainage, but there are very specific creel limits on other fish species in Flaming Gorge, such as kokanee and lake trout, so anglers should pick up a copy of the fishing and watercraft regulations before doing either."

Anglers may call the Green River Office of the Game and Fish at (307) 875-3223 for more information

News Source: Wyoming GF - Aug. 11, 2008