Troopers on the lookout for fin-clipping fishermen
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Wildlife officials are getting reports of anglers who are fin-clipping wild steelhead to make them appear to be hatchery fish.
OSP game troopers are stepping up their enforcement after hearing about several cases of fishermen cutting the adipose fin off of winter steelhead in the Umpqua Basin.
"We've heard some anglers are catching wild winter steelhead, clipping the adipose fins and releasing them backto the river. This type of violation is extreme and people caught fin clipping and releasing wild steelhead can be arrested and lodged at the County Jail," said OSP Sergeant Lynn Withers.
Anyone who sees this happening, or catches a fish that has a freshly clipped fin is encouraged to call the Oregon State Police.
Troopers say anyone caught illegally clipping a fin will be arrested and lodged at the county jail.
