Fishing guides on the Umpqua River recently caught several adult wild winter steelhead with their adipose fins apparently intentionally cut off.

Fishing forums and Facebook angling groups have spread the photo around, and anglers are understandably upset. ODFW biologists believe the theory behind this is that the fish will spawn, return to the ocean and come back with a healed adipose clip to be legally caught by the angler.

Biologists say this is highly unlikely. It's more likely that infection will set in, and these fish will die.

If you see anyone doing this, please call the OSP Tip Line at 1-800-452-7888.

Photo courtesy of Mike Springer