A Utah man has been charged with posing as a fishing guide, and taking paying clients out to fish for bull trout in the Elk River without a licence.
The 52-year-old man was arrested on Friday and released to attend court in Fernie on November 6.
Sgt. Joe Caravetta from the East Kootenay Conservation Officer Service said that it had been determined the man had taken about 12 clients to fish in the Wigwamn and Elk Rivers.
He faces charges of guiding anglers with out a licence. Several of the American anglers involved with the Utah resident were also charged with violations under the BC Wildlife Act.
Sgt. Caravetta said that people need to be reminded that classified waters remain a priority for enforcement by the BC Conservation Officer Service with respect to individulas angling and people involved in commercial activities. If you suspect or have knowledge of any illegal angling activities, please contact the BC Conservation Officer anonymous hotline at 877-952-7277.