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CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports that ATV activity was lower than expected over the weekend but was still higher than previous weeks. Boating contacts were very low and almost entirely people testing boat motors for the upcoming fishing opener. Violations included operating an ATV with too many passengers, operating an off-highway motorcycle on a roadway, and failure to display ATV registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week for fishing and boating activity. Ihnen also checked for spring trapping and ATV activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week checking steelhead anglers along the North Shore. He worked ATV enforcement and monitored the spring fish run. Enforcement action was taken for several ATV-related violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) primarily focused on steelhead angling and spring trapping throughout the week. Folks continue to report a decent bite on most of the rivers. Enforcement action was taken for multiple angling violations, ATV violations, minnow dealer violations, and no life jackets.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports 14 area youth were certified in Babbitt in ATV safety. Thanks to the volunteers who make this training possible. ATV trails were monitored, and moderate traffic was observed as the trails opened for the season. A detail was worked on the Rainy River. A trespass-related case was worked. Enforcement action was taken for boating safety and registration violations and a minnow-trapping violation.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports boat and water safety and sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River continue to be the focus of the work activities. Animal-related complaints were also handled throughout the week. People are reminded that wildlife interactions are going to happen, so give animals space and time.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending time this week working the Rainy River checking sturgeon anglers and checking boat safety equipment. Violations encountered consisted of failing to validate/attach sturgeon tag to fish, transporting unmeasurable sturgeon, PFD violations and expired fire extinguishers. Anglers reported a good bite throughout the week.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports continued handling of otter catches by trappers and assisted DNR Forestry on a fire investigation. Fondie answered public access questions and when special beaver permits need to be issued as the close of beaver season approaches.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent most of the week checking anglers on Lake Vermilion. Crappie fishing continues to be hit and miss day to day. Some time was spent dealing with people storing items at public water access parking lots. Just a reminder that these lots are not seasonal storage areas.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and ATV activity. Larson also assisted other agencies with various calls. Violations were related to ATVs on snowmobile trails, and angling and boat registration violations.
