If you’re an avid fisherman, winter can be a thrilling time to catch the elusive and once rare burbot in the Kootenai River. By reporting tags on your catches, you can help Fish and Game better understand burbot catch rates, harvest rates, and survival rates, which can improve the overall health of the fishery.

To incentivize reporting, Fish and Game offers a reward value of $100 for each tag reported. So if you’re lucky enough to catch one this winter, you could be in for a nice payday!

If you see a tag while fishing, make sure to report the tag number and location where you caught the fish to Fish and Game. You can do this over the phone at 1-866-258-0338 or online as part of the Angler Science Program creel packet.

Keep in mind that winter is also a great time to relax and unwind at home with a hot drink by the fire. But if you’re feeling adventurous, why not give burbot fishing a try? It might just be your lucky day!