What started as a proud livestream of a big catch on the Quillayute River quickly turned into a front-row seat to a crime. Two anglers, hoping to show off their salmon catching prowess to the internet, instead broadcast their own fishing violations; and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) officers were watching.
According to a WDFW report, Officer McOmber received a tip about a livestream showing suspicious activity on the river. Thanks to swift coordination with WILDCOMM dispatchers, the stream was located almost immediately. Multiple clips captured the anglers illegally removing fish from the water to pose with their catch live on camera.
Officer McOmber quickly made his way to the river, hiked down to the drift boat’s location, and witnessed the two men continuing their livestream. When asked to row to shore, the person streaming abruptly ended the broadcast — but the damage was already done.
“The livestream provided clear evidence of multiple recreational fishing violations,” WDFW stated in a Facebook post.
During questioning, one of the anglers admitted to using a barbed hook, which is a clear violation of state fishing regulations in that area. Further investigation revealed additional problems. One angler had already reached the daily adult salmon limit but continued to fish. He also failed to record his catch on the official catch card. In addition, he violated freshwater salmon handling rules by pulling a fish completely out of the water to show it off online.
Under Washington law, it is unlawful to totally remove salmon, steelhead, or Dolly Varden/bull trout from the water if the fish cannot legally be retained or is going to be released. The rule is designed to protect fish populations by minimizing handling mortality. Both men were cited on the spot.
“It is not only illegal, but it is also one of the best things anglers can do to ensure we have these fisheries in the future,” WDFW said in its statement.
Going Viral… in the Worst Way
This incident underscores a growing trend: anglers livestreaming their catches in real time. While social media can be a fun way to celebrate a great day on the water, it also provides irrefutable evidence of illegal behavior if rules aren’t followed. In this case, the anglers essentially handed wildlife officers the evidence on a silver platter. The anglers now face fines and citations, and their viral moment will live on for all the wrong reasons. A textbook example of how bragging rights can backfire fast.
The Quillayute River is a popular salmon fishery, and WDFW enforcement is vigilant during peak seasons. Anglers are urged to review regulations carefully, record their catches promptly, and follow handling rules to protect Washington’s legendary salmon runs. Both anglers now face citations and potential fines. A stern lesson about breaking the law — and broadcasting it.
This isn’t the first time social media has led to busts. Recently, three U.S. anglers have been fined a combined $4,500 and handed one‑year Ontario fishing bans after pleading guilty to catching brook trout out of season and undersized on Lake Nipigon.
