HAYDEN, Idaho — Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) is seeking information after 31 kokanee salmon were found illegally dumped in Hayden.

IDFG says a Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office deputy found the fish on September 15 near the intersection of Warrant Street and North Reed Road in Hayden.

Based on visible body marks, IDFG believes the fish were illegally harvested with gill nets. All edible portions of meat were left intact, meaning the kokanee were wasted.

"This hits us just as hard as well," said TJ Ross with IDFG. "Any time a fish or an animal is illegally harvested, it's a big deal. From our perspective, that is stealing from law-abiding citizens of Idaho."

He says this type of waste is a violation of Idaho law and a loss of a valuable public resource. Kokanee are a popular sport fish in

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