Angler called in a tip about a man who had been fishing the trout opener

[WB Staff]

On Sunday, April 28, a concerned angler called in a tip about a man who had been fishing the trout opener near Antelope Lake in remote eastern Plumas County. The reporting party described seeing an angler who appeared to have been catching and retaining more than the legal limit of five trout. The reporting party provided the wildlife officer with a vehicle description and a partial license plate number of the suspect’s vehicle. One of the two responding officers spotted a vehicle that matched the description leaving the area at a high rate of speed. The officer followed and observed several vehicle code violations. He had to drive about 1.5 miles with his emergency lights on to close the distance and conduct a vehicle stop. When the officer made contact with the driver, he saw fishing gear and ice chests inside the vehicle. Once the other officer arrived on scene, they searched the vehicle together. Despite the suspect’s claims of only having five trout in his possession, the two officers located a total of 54 trout -- many times over the daily bag limit of 5 trout per day, and 10 in possession. The trout averaged 2-3 pounds each. The officers cited the man for a gross overlimit of trout.

The case would not have been possible without a tip from an honest angler. If you witness a poaching or polluting incident or any fish and wildlife violation, or have information about such a violation, immediately dial the toll free CalTIP number 1 888 334-CALTIP (888 334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.