HAYDEN, ID – Idaho Fish and Game is asking for the public’s help after 31 kokanee were illegally dumped in Hayden earlier this month.

A Kootenai County Sheriff’s Deputy discovered the fish on Sept. 15 near the intersection of Warrant Street and North Reed Road. The deputy immediately contacted Fish and Game after finding the fish discarded.

Officials said visible body marks suggest the kokanee were illegally harvested with gill nets. All edible portions of the meat were left intact, meaning the fish were wasted.

Idaho Fish and Game said this type of waste is a violation of state law and represents a loss of a valuable public resource. Kokanee are a popular sportfish in North Idaho, and illegal harvest undermines management efforts that sustain healthy fisheries, say officials.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or report online. A monetary reward may be available for information leading to charges.