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District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports the final weekend of the winter trout season closed with only moderate activity in the Ely area. Success for stream trout was good, and the dry weather was welcome. Violations included angling without a license in possession and taking fish in a closed season. CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent time working the last weekend of the winter trout season. Other activities included working on equipment and clearing up ongoing cases. Ihnen also returned calls for service and worked past ATV-complaint areas.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) patrolled angling and snowmobiling activities. A surprising number of people were out riding what was left of the snowmobile trails. Anglers made their last hurrah chasing trout as the season closes on Monday. Enforcement action was taken for multiple angling violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) again put most of his efforts into working spring crappie anglers and monitoring recreational vehicles. Enforcement action included litter, unattended lines, no helmet on a youth ATV passenger, and driving on a closed trail.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily checking ice anglers as the winter season for steam trout neared the end. The weekend weather conditions brought some snow and freezing rain to the area, but the local snowmobile trails no longer have enough snow to ride comfortably and safely. Franzen also spent time responding to wildlife-related calls and assisting local law enforcement agencies with traffic collisions.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports spring fishing on the Rainy River is increasing with one public access open. People are reminded to make sure they have all safety equipment onboard watercraft, and they have current registration displayed. Enforcement action was taken for boat registration issues. Animal-related complaints were also handled.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports checking anglers on the Rainy River this past week. Boat and safety equipment checks were frequent this past week with the ice disappearing. Enforcement action was taken for various safety equipment violations and expired boat registration. CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports several groups of persistent anglers were contacted throughout the week. They were reporting mixed results. If they had been out enough days, they eventually seemed to find one good day of success. There were also a few snowmobiles noted in the area with the last 11-inch snowstorm. Slatinski monitored dock projects for permit compliance and worked with the county attorney’s office on ongoing cases. Annual training was completed.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports outdoor activities remained minimal over the week. Area lakes were checked, and spring forest road restrictions were monitored. Little fishing activity was noted. Small streams froze over, then reopened. Equipment work was completed, as was training CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week checking ice anglers and monitoring forest roads, trapping activity, and ATV use. It was another slow week for outdoor activity.
