CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports the winter trout season seemed to fizzle out over the final weekend. Cool weather returned and although there were a few anglers out, success was extremely low compared to just a few weeks ago. Travel on the lakes is also becoming difficult and many areas with current are beginning to open.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers this past week. Ice conditions are deteriorating with several spots opening up along shore. Crappie anglers have been having some success but few people have been fishing lake or stream trout.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a very quiet week. There were a few snowmobilers left and anglers had lakes all to themselves.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers on inland lakes. Manning worked a detail in the Ely area with CO Velsvaag patrolling in the BWCAW and a detail with CO Bermel in the border country up the Gunflint Trail. She also took calls regarding pollution of Lake Superior, a recent land-trespass case and CWD in deer. 

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) primarily checked crappie anglers throughout the week. Some success was noted. Time was also spent checking lake trout anglers in and out of the BWCA. Enforcement action was taken for possession of smelt without a VHS-free label. Ice is deteriorating and caution should be used. The top layer is not good ice, and there isn’t a lot of solid ice underneath.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity. Schottenbauer also saw a few ATVs and snowmobiles this past week. He also completed EMT training. 

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) checked late-season ice-angling activity and responded to nuisance-wildlife complaints. Several people were encountered out enjoying the yearly collection of maple sap or just getting out for a walk in the woods after the long winter.