District 6 - Two Harbors CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) spent much of the week patrolling area waterways, lakes, and trails by snowmobile with area partners. Trails in the area are slowly improving, and riders are eager for more snow. Most anglers reported poor success. Enforcement action included illegal-length walleyes, angling with extra lines, no license in possession, and expired registration.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area lakes and rivers this week by checking anglers and monitoring recreational vehicle activity. Enforcement action was taken for angling without licenses and registration issues. Anglers reported a slow bite. Trail conditions remain good on area lakes.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports that even with less-than-desirable snow conditions there were several groups out taking advantage of pleasant weather. Both anglers and snowmobilers were observed in the highest numbers yet for the season. Trail conditions are rough, but frozen lake surfaces are manageable. Although we have gotten a couple snow squalls to encourage riders, we really could use a good old fashion dump of snow to spruce things up.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports multiple days of above-freezing temps and loss of snow over the week. Trail conditions remain poor with little observed snowmobile activity. Additional days of above-freezing temps forecasted will not help trail conditions. Area lakes were checked and anglers visited with. Overall, fishing success was poor with little observed being caught.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring snowmobiling activity and checking ice anglers. The snowmobile trails are much improved with groomers doing what they can with the little snow we’ve had. The trails are rideable. There are still some rough spots, bare spots, and beaver dams to contend with, so please use caution when riding.
COAaronLarson(Tower) workedprimarilyanglingand snowmobile activity. Larson spent time checking anglers and focused on working loud and illegal snowmobile exhaust in his station. Violations were related to angling with extra lines, license violations, snowmobile moving violations, and registration for off-highway vehicles.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling activity. Time was also spent giving defensive tactics training, responding to calls, and working a detail out of the station.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time fielding several small-game and angling complaints over the week. He also worked on Academy related snowmobile training material.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring ice fishing and snowmobile activity. Anglers continued to report limited success. Snowmobile trails are starting to be groomed but still could use more snow. Broughten also fielded calls regarding injured animals and collector snowmobile registration.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling and snowmobile enforcement continued to be his focus over the week. Trail conditions were found to be mostly groomed and in good condition, especially with recent snowfalls. Violations included angling without a license in possession and failure to display snowmobile registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent most of his time this week checking angling and spearing activity. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV and snowmobile riders. Additional time was spent monitoring small-game-hunting and trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers and patrolled snowmobile trails. The trails are shaping up nicely with the recent snowfalls. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile and angling violations.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) reports that recent snowfalls in the area have created great riding conditions on all the snowmobile trails. Anglers and snowmobilers are reminded to thoroughly read the regulations before heading out and recreating. Station equipment was maintained, and preparations were made for the upcoming regular winter season trout opener next week.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement this week, as well as grant-in-aid cross-country ski trails. Time was also spent on investigations related to decorative materials and deer hunting. Snowmobile trail conditions have improved but are still thin. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines, unattended lines, expired registration, failure to transfer ownership, snowmobile speed, and deer registration and tagging violations.
COTrentAnderson(Tofte) worked snowmobile and angling activity for the week. Preparations were made for the upcoming trout opener and equipment maintenance was conducted. Ice anglers are encouraged to review the designated trout lake regulations prior to venturing out this weekend.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time checking anglers on area lakes. Block also patrolled snowmobile trails in the area. Time was also spent assisting other law enforcement agencies.
