Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Apr 28, 2026 05:48AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - April 28, 2026
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - April 28, 2026
Last updated: 2026-04-27
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports: ATV activity increased over the week with mild temperatures and only occasional heavy rain. Smelting picked up, and several netters were checked. Violations included: angling without a license in possession.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Additional time was spent monitoring ATV and OHM activity. He also attended division training.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week monitoring fishing closures in Cook County. Anglers were checked fishing the Lake Superior tributaries along the North Shore. Training was attended in Grand Rapids.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports steelhead anglers are starting to hit the shore. River conditions are at an extremely high flow state and water clarity is almost zero. Time was spent inspecting commercial minnow traps along with spring beaver trapping sets. Ledeen also attended a region-wide training.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked OHM complaints and ATV enforcement as well as spring fish run. 23 youths were certified in ATV safety – thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the class a success. A DWI refresher training was attended. An investigation led to a citation for failure to register bear baits. Assistance was provided to other agencies with calls and investigations.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring stream angling activity. Time was also spent attending training. Due to snowmelt and recent rain, rivers were running heavy and anglers were reporting low success.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on trapping and angling enforcement for the week. Time was spent patrolling the woods and trails on ATV. Ice conditions on area lakes are quickly deteriorating due to recent rain and warm weather, caution is advised.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week patrolling the area for angling activity. Recent rainfall has made conditions challenging for angling. Block also spent time working different complaints, and spent time training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Additional time was spent monitoring ATV and OHM activity. He also attended division training.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week monitoring fishing closures in Cook County. Anglers were checked fishing the Lake Superior tributaries along the North Shore. Training was attended in Grand Rapids.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports steelhead anglers are starting to hit the shore. River conditions are at an extremely high flow state and water clarity is almost zero. Time was spent inspecting commercial minnow traps along with spring beaver trapping sets. Ledeen also attended a region-wide training.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked OHM complaints and ATV enforcement as well as spring fish run. 23 youths were certified in ATV safety – thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the class a success. A DWI refresher training was attended. An investigation led to a citation for failure to register bear baits. Assistance was provided to other agencies with calls and investigations.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring stream angling activity. Time was also spent attending training. Due to snowmelt and recent rain, rivers were running heavy and anglers were reporting low success.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on trapping and angling enforcement for the week. Time was spent patrolling the woods and trails on ATV. Ice conditions on area lakes are quickly deteriorating due to recent rain and warm weather, caution is advised.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week patrolling the area for angling activity. Recent rainfall has made conditions challenging for angling. Block also spent time working different complaints, and spent time training with K9 Jet.
