Reward offered after fish carcasses dumped near Washougal River

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police are seeking any information related to the illegal harvest and dumping of three fileted sturgeon carcasses and approximately two dozen Chinook salmon carcasses, located approximately five miles up the Washougal River in Clark County.

The incident occurred sometime on or before Thursday, Sept. 5, according to the DFW. After receiving a call, WDFW officers arrived on the scene and discovered three fileted sturgeon carcasses and a large pile of salmon carcasses located in the nearby blackberry bushes. 

“It appeared all but two of the Chinook salmon were fileted,” the WDFW stated. “Just to the downstream side of the pile of fish were a dozen black plastic bags filled with yard debris. It did not appear there was any garbage inside of the bags. Just upstream of the pile of salmon was a single tire.”

The officers scouted the area but discovered no evidence to provide any leads as to who may have dumped the carcasses. 

“It is also currently unknown where the fish may have been harvested,” the WDFW stated.

CCA Washington is contributing a reward of $1,000 for information leading to convictions in this case. The WDFW encourages anyone who might have relevant information about the incident to call 877-933-9847, email reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov, or text 847411. The public can also report online on WDFW’s website. Tips can be provided anonymously. Those who provide information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.