Man Accused of Illegally Fishing In the Hudson Valley

A New Jersey man is accused of illegally fishing in the Hudson Valley.

Recently, DEC Environmental Conservation Officer Tom Koepf checked the licenses of ice fishermen on Swinging Bridge Reservoir in the Town of Thompson.

There were several dozen people on the ice that day, and most were following state fishing regulations, officials say.

However, two men from New Jersey told the officer they didn’t catch any fish the day. During a check of their gear, a five-gallon pail allegedly contained legal-sized Black Crappie and a large Bass.

Because Bass season ended the officer wondering why the two men kept the Bass.

One of the fisherman said he was having a slow day and “Wasn't only going to filet one Crappie,” according to the DEC.

The unnamed fisherman was issued a ticket for taking bass during the closed season, returnable to the Town of Thompson Court.