OSP Reports - August 26

Aug. 17: 16:21: Fish & Wildlife, Angling - Arrived along the banks of the McKenzie River below Leaburg dam after receiving information of possible angling violations. During foot patrol located a wild Chinook salmon that had been illegally harvested. The angler who caught the wild Chinook was cited and released. The wild Chinook was seized as evidence. During the investigation information lead to a nearby residence. During the interview with the angler he confessed to snagging a salmon and keeping it. The salmon was seized as evidence and the angler was criminally cited for angling prohibited method (snagging) and released. Both salmon were entered into evidence at the Springfield Patrol Office. Involved: 24-year-old male from Leaburg.

Aug. 20: 09:26: Fish & Wildlife, Angling – Contacted a male who was angling on the McKenzie River below Leaburg Dam. Witnessed him retrieve a fish from the water with a stick through the gills and obviously distressed. He then photographed it and put it back in the water and continued fishing. We drove around and walked to where the male was fishing and found him packing up his gear to leave. When asked if he caught any fish he said he did not. When confronted about the fish witnessed he said he let it go because he realized he left his license and tag in his boat and he could not validate it. The fish was located deceased 3 – 4 feet from the riverbank. He was issued a citation for Fail to Immediately Release Fish Unharmed and e-warnings for No Valid License/Tag In Possession and no Columbia Basin Endorsement. The fish was seized and placed in the OSP evidence freezer. Involved: 66-year-old male.