OSP Seeks Public Help in Salmon Poaching, Vandalism at Cole Rivers Hatchery in Trail

Trail, Oregon- The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in identifying two individuals suspected of vandalizing equipment and illegally taking salmon from the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon.

The incidents span multiple dates over the past year and involve the same two individuals, who were first captured on a trail camera in August 2024. On August 12 and again on August 27, 2024, the suspects were seen entering the area around the hatchery’s fish trap around 8 p.m. while wearing motorcycle helmets. They appeared to attempt to spear or gaff salmon from the stream. One was riding a red Harley-Davidson-style motorcycle, the other a black sport bike. A black German Shepherd was also present during both visits.

Nearly a year later, on July 5, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m., two masked individuals—matching the build and appearance of the previous suspects—were again caught on camera near the hatchery’s outflow fish trap. They wore masks and baggy clothing and were accompanied by a German Shepherd. One of the individuals crossed the river to rip the antenna from the cellular trail camera, while the other remained onshore with what appeared to be a large salmon net.

When Oregon State Police troopers responded the next day, they found the camera antenna discarded and the device itself pushed aside. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff later discovered that the fish trap’s lock had been cut, and an unknown number of salmon had been illegally netted.

OSP is asking anyone with information to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, dial *OSP (*677) from a mobile device, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP25-355670.

The TIP program is a collaborative effort between Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and several conservation groups. It offers both preference points and cash rewards for tips leading to citations or arrests in fish and wildlife cases.

Rewards include:

Preference Points: Up to 5 points for information leading to the arrest or citation for unlawful take of big game animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose, bear, cougar, and more. Cash Rewards: Up to $2,000 from the Oregon Hunters Association for cases involving bighorn sheep, mountain goats, or moose. $1,000 for elk, deer, or antelope violations. $400 for unlawful game fish or shellfish take, including snagging attempts. Up to $11,500 from the Oregon Wildlife Coalition for tips involving wolf poaching east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20. $200–$1,000 for various other violations, including habitat destruction, license fraud, and illegal guiding.

More information on the TIP program, including how to report violations and claim rewards, can be found at www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx.

UPDATE: OSP reports that the the two individuals in the photos have come forward and have been cleared by investigators.

OSP are pursuing other investigative leads, and no additional information from the public is needed at this time.

All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law