Sturgeon Poached Near Gaylord

A 55 inch sturgeon was hauled out of Otesgo Lake near Gaylord last week. Problem is, Lake Sturgeon is a threatened species in our state. And, the fish was snagged, not line caught. And you gotta have a special tag.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating the Gaylord man accused of illegally taking the fish Monday, March 12, 2018.

Sounds like an individual reported the suspect to the DNR after he was spotted drilling several holes in the ice around the original hole to haul the huge fish out of the Lake.

Further witness interviews and surveillance lead a path to the suspect, who reportedly confessed to poaching the nearly five foot long fish.  He also had the sturgeon in his possession.

The sturgeon and the fishing gear used to take it were confiscated.

The case is now headed to the hands of the Otsego County Prosecutor's Office to determine charges.