Indiana Conservation Officers arrested four individuals last weekend after uncovering a large-scale illegal fishing operation at Nasby Dam in the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area.
According to a post by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement on Facebook, District 2 Officers Smalley and Cooper were patrolling the area when they discovered an unattended bucket filled with fish. With no one in sight, the officers decided to wait nearby in the bushes for the individuals to return.
Their patience paid off. When four people came back to their vehicle carrying additional buckets of fish, the officers stopped them and conducted an investigation. What they found was staggering: over 84 illegal game fish and hundreds of other fish caught using a cast net, which is not legal for taking game fish in Indiana.
The illegal haul included:
- 21 Black Bass
- 25 Rock Bass
- 31 Logperch
- 3 Bluegill
- 3 Crayfish
- 1 Rainbow Darter
In addition to the use of illegal gear and taking of protected species, three of the four individuals did not have valid fishing licenses.
In Indiana, legal methods for catching bass — such as largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass — are regulated by the DNR to ensure sustainable fisheries. Anglers may use traditional sportfishing equipment including rod and reel or hand lines. The use of cast nets, seines, trotlines, or snagging methods is strictly prohibited for taking game fish like bass.
For those unfamiliar, a cast net is a circular fishing net with small weights distributed around its edge. It’s designed to be thrown — or “cast” — by hand in such a way that it spreads out while in the air and sinks quickly when it hits the water. A handline attached to the center allows the angler to retrieve the net, ideally trapping fish underneath it as it’s pulled in.
Cast nets are typically used in shallow water to catch baitfish like shad, minnows, or other small, schooling species. These nets are effective but non-selective, which is why they are regulated, to prevent the overharvest of protected or sport fish.
Additionally, all anglers age 18 and older must possess a valid Indiana fishing license, unless exempt by law. Bass fishing is also subject to specific size and bag limits depending on the species and waterbody. For example, on most public waters, there is a 14-inch minimum size limit for black bass species, with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. Some lakes and rivers may have special regulations, so anglers should always consult the current Indiana Fishing Regulation Guide before fishing.
All four subjects were arrested at the scene. Authorities note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This incident serves as a strong reminder of the role conservation officers play in protecting Indiana’s aquatic ecosystems and enforcing state fishing regulations. Responsible anglers are encouraged to report suspicious activity and review legal fishing methods and limits before heading out.
Anglers in Indiana can report poaching and wildlife violations by calling the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) hotline at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (1-800-847-4367), which is available 24/7 and allows callers to remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted online through the Indiana DNR website or by calling Central Dispatch at 812-837-9536. For more serious or detailed reports, the DNR Investigation Section can be contacted at 317-233-3848. Providing specific details — such as location, suspect description, and vehicle information — can increase the chances of successful enforcement, and eligible tips may result in rewards up to $500.
