Photo: Boreal Community Media files

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - January 2, 2024

District 6 - Two Harbors area

Last updated: 2024-01-02

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports the ice conditions for the annual BWCA trout opener were the most varied and dangerous in memory. All rivers and creeks were open, and anglers were witnessed crawling over snow-covered rock faces unable to access portages or lakes from the usual routes. Violations included small-game hunting with no blaze orange and hunting without a license in possession.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) checked hunters and anglers this past week. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV activity.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily angling enforcement throughout the week, although an uptick in grouse-hunting activity was observed over the final weekend of the season as well. Enforcement action was taken for the following violations: storing a fish house at a public access, cans in the BWCAW, no ATV registration, and public access parking violation.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais #1) worked the BWCAW trout opener with area officers. Travel was fast with the lack of snow and good ice. He assisted with a rope rescue of a person who fell close to 50 feet into the Cross River gorge. Assistance was given to the county and State Patrol with a stop for fleeing in a motor vehicle.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) spent the week checking anglers and hunters. Many anglers were seen taking advantage of the lack of snow and accessing lakes deep into the BWCAW for the annual trout opener. Ice conditions continue to vary from lake to lake.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports cold weather has stabilized the ice in the region as thickness ranged from 5 inches up to a foot. The BWCAW trout opener brought with it high activity and multiple limits of lake trout. Anglers were successful at depths throughout the entire water column. A few anglers were cited for using extra lines and live minnows on a designated trout lake. Another angler was very forthright with admitting that they rarely purchase an angling license because ?usually someone in the group buys a license, and since we never get checked, it isn?t a big deal.? The angler went home with a citation.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping and angling activity during the week. Mild temperatures are still making for some unsafe ice conditions in the area and ice should be checked frequently before walking or driving on ice. Lack of snow cover still has all snowmobile trails ungroomed in the area.

Silver Bay vacant.