CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports fishing activity in the Ely area was fair, but most reports were of slow to no success. Snowmobiling ramped up after a week of colder weather helped with the slush conditions on the lakes. Violations included operating an unregistered snowmobile.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers this past week and slush conditions have not improved very much. Ice conditions are highly variable and many anglers are fishing while wearing snowshoes. Several calls came in about the trout opener and pike regulations.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time in the BWCAW checking anglers. He worked snowmobile trails and area lakes. Wahlstrom responded to loud snowmobile exhaust complaints and enforcement action was taken. 

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Lake conditions are much improved over last week and snowmobile trails are looking good. She also took a call about trapping.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked deer cases and patrolled by snowmobile throughout the week. Snowmobile trail conditions are good and are seeing fairly high use. Enforcement action included taking a doe without a doe permit, a parent cited for a youth deer-hunting violation, and deer-registration violations.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling and snowmobile activity this past week. Schottenbauer started putting the finishing touches on a background investigation. Time was also spent at a department Deer Committee meeting.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and snowmobile activity during the week. Area trails were in excellent shape with a high number of users out enjoying the trails. Area lakes are still holding slush in areas but have started to improve with the cold weather. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile speed and licensing violations.