Poacher Charged After Rare Fish Taken From Patoka Lake Spillway

Indiana conservation officers say a Crawford County resident is facing charges after allegedly illegally taking a rare and protected fish from Patoka Lake.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, officers received a report through the state’s Turn In A Poacher tip line about someone illegally taking a paddlefish from the Patoka Lake spillway in Dubois County.

Rare Paddlefish Taken From Patoka Lake Spillway

After investigating the report, conservation officers tracked the suspect to a residence in Crawford County. According to 14 WFIE, the suspect has been identified as Crystal Sheets. Authorities say Sheets was found to be in unlawful possession of the paddlefish and was also in violation of a protective order related to the species.

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The suspect was taken into custody and charged with violating the protective order and misdemeanor unlawful possession of a paddlefish.

Why Paddlefish Are Protected In Indiana

The American paddlefish is considered a rare native species in Indiana, and its population has been declining. The unusual fish, known for its long paddle-shaped snout, is part of an ancient family of freshwater fish that dates back millions of years.

There were once two surviving species in this family during modern history. In addition to the American paddlefish, there was also the Chinese paddlefish found in the Yangtze River. However, the Chinese paddlefish was officially declared extinct in 2020.

That means the American paddlefish is now the last remaining species of its kind in the world.

Because of that status, Indiana wildlife officials say protecting the species is critical to preserving biodiversity in the state’s waterways.

How Hoosiers Can Help Protect Wildlife

The investigation also highlights the importance of public reporting when it comes to protecting Indiana’s natural resources.

Anyone who witnesses suspected poaching or environmental violations can report it anonymously through Indiana’s Turn In A Poacher TIP line at tip.IN.gov.

Anglers are also encouraged to review the current Indiana Fishing Regulations Guide to ensure they are fishing legally and ethically.