Lake Erie Hustler Nissley Nets Probation, Fishing Ban

SOUTH BEND, IN – Dylan Nissley, 32, of Wakarusa, Indiana, is trading fish tales for community service after a federal judge handed down a two-year probation sentence for a string of brazen Lacey Act violations. Nissley wasn’t just bending the rules; he was actively fleecing clients and flouting conservation laws across state lines, according to court documents.

The scheme unfolded during the spring of 2023 on Lake Erie, Ohio. Nissley allegedly offered guided fishing trips without possessing the required United States Coast Guard Captain License or a valid Ohio fishing guide license. But the fraud didn’t stop there. Nissley encouraged his clients to illegally “double bag,” exceeding the legal walleye limit, and pocketed the extra catch. The jig was up when authorities started looking into his operation.

But Nissley’s illegal activity didn’t end with finned creatures. In November 2023, during Missouri’s archery-only deer season, Nissley swapped his bow for a firearm, illegally harvesting a buck. He then compounded the crime by failing to report all deer taken and exceeding the legal limit of antlered deer for the season. A clear pattern of disregard for the law, authorities say.

“True sportsmen and sportswomen understand that the North American model of wildlife conservation depends upon everyone—and especially guides—following the relevant laws and regulations when harvesting game,” stated Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. “Dylan Nissley disregarded those rules, and in doing so he violated the federal Lacey Act. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement team, he has been held to account for his unlawful acts.”

Federal officials aren’t letting this slide. Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, emphasized the severity of the crimes. “Poaching has no place in America’s hunting and fishing heritage,” Ault said. “We appreciate the strong support from our partners in Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. This case is a reminder for all hunters and anglers to be diligent when selecting guiding services and ensure you’re working with someone who complies with the law and honors the ethical principles of the outdoors.”

The investigation was a multi-state effort, spearheaded by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, with crucial support from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, and Missouri Department of Conservation. Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius prosecuted the case. Nissley’s sentence includes a universal ban on fishing and hunting for the duration of his two-year probation, alongside 144 hours of community service – a small price to pay for a calculated disregard for the law and a blatant attempt to profit from illegal activity.