Photo: Boreal Community Media files

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - March 11, 2024

Last updated: 2024-03-11

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity has slowed as concern grows over the quality of the ice on local lakes. Many trout lakes were found to be empty over the week and for those who were out success was very limited. Violations included angling without a license in possession.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused on checking anglers this week. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV activity.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers on area lakes. He followed up on an ongoing big-game investigation. Time was also spent at Camp Ripley.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) spent time this week patrolling in the BWCA. Many anglers were contacted, and a few fish were observed being caught. Time was also spent investigating violations pertaining to last year?s hunting season.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports checking anglers and ATV compliance. Time was spent on a shoreline violation and looking into a road/public access issue. Lots of damage was noted at public water accesses where ice has pushed up concrete. Many larger lakes have had pressure ridges and random areas of open water. Enforcement action was taken for ATV registration violations and failure to have a state park vehicle permit.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling enforcement and patrolling the BWCA for the week. Anglers were out enjoying the sunny conditions and a few nice trout were seen on the ice. Enforcement action was taken for fishing with extra lines, fishing without a license, and ATV registration violations. Anglers are advised to use caution as ice conditions are expected to change quickly.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and ATV activity during the week. Ice conditions vary greatly in the area and caution should be used with the arriving warm weather eroding the ice. Maple sap is running, and signs of spring have arrived. With the lack of snow coverage, burning permits are required and fire danger can increase quickly as spring progresses.

Silver Bay vacant.