DNR report: April 6

Talk about it

Lake County

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) monitored the fish run along the North Shore. Kamloops are showing up in the rivers in good numbers, but steelhead numbers are lagging a bit behind. Spring beaver trapping is in full swing, with only one accidental catch of an otter reported. Worked areas which have generated ATV complaints in the past. Enforcement action taken for various ATV and angling violations.

Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) checked anglers on the North Shore River in his area. A few fish were being caught earlier in the week. Completed annual station equipment inventory. Worked the DNR booth at the Northwest Sports Show in Minneapolis.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) assisted Officer Manning with an investigation of a bobcat shooting. For the first time he checked anglers during the winter trout season by boat as many of the trout lakes are ice free. Lots of beaver trappers out with one call of an incidental otter.

Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled Lake Superior tributaries checking steelheads and checking inland lakes for trout anglers. Worked with CO Fagerman to break the case of an illegally taken bobcat; charges will be filed soon. Worked with area firearms volunteers to plan a basic sidearm class for women for later this month.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored spring trapping and angling activity. Responded to a call regarding aggressive wolves toward an individual in the area. Worked on preparing summer equipment and handled trapping complaints. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.

North

Marty Stage (Ely) worked ATVs, litter, and prepared for the open water fishermen that are already out on the water. The ice went off at an incredible rate and the land conditions are dry. Remember be to be extremely careful with fires, the new fishing license will be needed soon , drain the live wells, and don’t forget the PFDs.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent some time working on a TIP call reference dumping deer parts. Spring trapping has been busy this year with lots of people beaver trapping. A firearms safety class was attended during the week. Many boats were checked during the week fishing Lake Superior. Spent several days on the North Shore rivers working the spring steelhead run.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) spent time patrolling for illegal ATV use in closed areas and many of the areas wetlands. Most ATV trails are very sensitive and can be damaged easily during the spring thaw and wet weather. Spring beaver trappers were checked and a report of a trespass issue was investigated. Time was also spent at a few boat landings checking for and reminding early season boaters to be diligent about stopping the spread of invasive species.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (NE) spent time at Camp Ripley instructing the nine new Conservation Officers on Use of Force training as it relates to defensive tactics and firearms use. Staffed an aquatic invasive species information both at the Minneapolis Sports Show over the weekend. Many questions were answered reference zebra mussel issues in lakes around Minnesota as well and milfoil issues and the passion for protecting our lakes and streams is very high. The new Aquatic Invasive Species decal was distributed to those visiting the show with many positive comments from folks about the DNR efforts as well as the direction the state is headed.

Lake Superior

Marine Unit

Keith Olson (Unit Leader-Lake Superior Marine Unit) reports the fish run is in full swing. Assisted the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office with a possible burglary suspect in the woods. Checked boat landings for AIS enforcement and fielded multiple fishing questions on the St. Louis River and Duluth –Superior Harbor.

Tags: two harbors, lake county, north shore, outdoors, dnr