[AndyS]

On May 21, Conservation Police Officer Tyler Hausamann responded to a complaint of illegal fishing at the Paulina Dam section of the Paulinskill River in Blairstown, Warren County. Once there, CPO Hausamann observed several people near the dam. One person was fishing with rod and reel while others began to pack up. Suddenly, someone starting yelling and congratulating another person who surfaced in the spillway of the dam. The man, who was wearing goggles and carried a speargun, held a large bass on the end of the spear. The fish was placed into a blue bucket as the group quickly tried to pack up and leave, but were stopped by CPO Hausamann. The suspects denied having any fish, but CPO Hausamann was able to recover the blue bucket and speargun from one of the vehicles.

Fourteen fish - a collection of rainbow trout, tiger trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass - were in the bucket. All but one fish had spear holes in them. Seven summonses were issued for the violations, with penalties totaling $880. The cited violations included: fishing without a valid license, possession of trout without a trout stamp, taking bass during closed season, taking undersize bass, taking trout over the limit, and taking fish in an illegal manner.

If you witness violations or illegal activity, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).