MELROSE — Four people were cited for joyriding side-by-sides in a portion of the Big Hole River where trout were spawning in September.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) reported the four people were fined $135 for operating a vehicle off authorized routes on Sept. 28 at the Salmon Fly Fishing Access site near Melrose. FWP did not identify the people cited.
WATCH VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT HERE:
The incident received public outcry after phone video showed the motorists spinning tires and driving recklessly in the river as a crowd of onlookers cheered. This happened while signs posted at the fishing access site prohibited the use of off-road motorized vehicles.
The well-publicized incident resulted in game wardens getting many tips from the public during the investigation.