Four southeast Iowa men have been charged in Van Buren County with unlawfully taking flathead catfish by hand-fishing, otherwise known as “noodling.”

Conservation Officers with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources observed the men catch several fish from artificial structure in the Des Moines River near Selma. As the flathead catfish were laying and guarding their eggs, they were observed taken by hand and a gaff hook.

Jason Anthony Telfer, Age 28, Eldon, John Edward Saner, Age 49 of Batavia, Chris Lee Hafele, Age 38, Ottumwa and Brant Donald Saner, age 28, of Agency were charged with unlawful taking of flathead catfish by handfishing

Seized during the arrest were three flathead catfish ranging from 12 to 27 pounds, and a 14-foot jon boat, motor, and trailer. In addition, approximately 174 pounds of catfish fillets were seized from the Jason Telfer residence.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in court in Van Buren County on July 12.

Noodling or handfishing for game fish is legal in some states, but unlawful in Iowa. Iowa Conservation Officer Bob Stuchel said “This is a serious problem in our rivers and streams during the months of June and July when we have low water levels making these large fish vulnerable. Many fish are taken by hand from natural spawning structure on the stream and river beds, but in this case the individuals observed were removing the large flathead catfish from old bathtubs specifically modified and placed on the river bed below the water surface to attract and hold the fish.”

Anyone with any information about illegal fishing is encouraged to contact their local conservation officer, or call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 800-532-2020.