The Cost of Keeping a Bull Trout

Bull trout are a threatened and protected species in Idaho and killing one can cost you, as one Boise man found out recently. Jordan Pugh, of Boise, must now pay more than $1,400 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to unlawfully taking one of the protected fish from Arrowrock Reservoir and failing to produce the fish upon request of a Fish and Game conservation officer. Bull Trout have been closed to harvest since 1994, and listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 1996. This Idaho native fish is easily identified by the salmon colored spots on its sides and lack of spots on the dorsal (top) fin. Anglers landing a bull trout should immediately release it back into the water. Pugh caught and kept the bull trout on December 11th while fishing Arrowrock Reservoir. Another angler reported the violation to the Citizen's Against Poaching hotline. When contacted by a conservation officer, Pugh failed to produce the fish and lied about having it. In Idaho City, Boise County Magistrate Roger Cockerille sentenced Pugh to pay $1,472 in fines and court costs, suspending another $1,000. Pugh was also sentenced to 180 days of jail on each of the two charges, suspending all but three days. In lieu of the jail time, Pugh must provide 60 hours of community service. He also received a one year fishing license suspension. People who witness or have information about fish or wildlife violations are encouraged to call the Citizen's Against Poaching (CAP) hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous and rewards are available.