Angler convicted for poaching on closed Thompson River

KAMLOOPS – A man has been convicted of poaching after he was caught by a conservation patrol on the Thompson River last year.

B.C. Conservation Officer Service says in a Facebook post a man who had 26 rainbow trout in his possession on the Thompson River near Ashcroft on Nov. 11, 2016 has been found guilty in Kamloops court and sentenced on multiple Fisheries Act charges.

The Merritt conservation officer patrol apprehended two men hiding in a culvert under the railroad tracks with two backpacks in their possession. More than two dozen wild rainbow trout were found in the backpacks, along with fishing gear. The conservation service says the limit for trout on the river at the time was zero.

One man admitted to fishing on the Thompson River that day, as well as catching and keeping all 26 trout. Due to steelhead conservation concerns, the river was closed at the time of the offence.

The angler was ordered to pay $2,800 to the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, specifically for the conservation or enhancement of fish or habitat in the Thompson River, the Conservation Officer Service says in the post.

To report a poacher or polluter call 1-877-952-7277.

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