Statewide operation uncovers illegal catfish harvest totaling more than 300,000 pounds

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A long-term investigation uncovered an illegal catfish harvest in Kentucky.

According to a release, the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Department conducted a 10-month investigation and identified 25 suspects involved in the illegal commercial harvest and sale of catfish from public waters, as well as the unlawful operation of pay lakes across Kentucky.

KYFW says “Operation River Raid’ is anticipated to result in more than 700 criminal charges across Livingston, Marshall, Boyd, Bath, Lawrence and Powell counties.

The release states that game wardens anticipate presenting more than 100 felony counts to grand juries in each county to secure indictments.

KYFW alleges the suspects harvested more than 300,000 pounds of catfish.

The identities of the suspects are being withheld until court proceedings begin, according to the release.

The investigation is ongoing.