DNR Report: April 20

Lake County

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) continued to work North Shore rivers for anglers and fish run activities. Low water levels have been hampering both the fish and anglers, but the current rain/snow should help matters. Joined conservation officer Fagerman on a work detail to Rainy River on the last weekend of the walleye season on Canadian border waters. Anglers were out in large numbers and so were the walleye. The conservation officers made numerous contacts for boating safety and AIS issues, as well as making five cases for over-limit of walleye.

Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) investigated a TIP call of litter near Lax Lake. His investigation lead to a citation for a local resident. Took enforcement action for an unregistered canoe. He checked anglers on the north shore rivers during the week.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked in another part of the state as part of the wildfire investigation team. He also worked with Officer Thomasen on the Rainy River during the last couple of days of that season. A few people were encountered that had a hard time keeping track of the two-walleye limit. Fish were seized, citations were issued, and the folks at the Grand Marais Senior Center will have a nice walleye lunch this week.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored spring beaver trappers and ATVs. Checked trout anglers during the inland stream trout opener. Assisted with a firearms safety class in Grand Marais. Wahlstrom worked spring fish run and checked anglers along the North Shore rivers.

North

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked spring fish run activity and anglers this past week. Received several phone calls on invasive species including the requirement for having the boat plug removed during transportation on roads. Worked on several old litter complaints.

Marty Stage (Ely) worked fishing and hunting complaints and spent time in the BWCAW. Every year, we get those people poaching while pretending they are fishing for panfish in the northern and walleye spawning areas. Daredevils and large minnow rigs are not typical crappie or even perch baits and you may be cited for using them. Remember that 2011 fishing licenses will expire at the end of the month.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent several days working the North Shore tributaries for the steelhead and kamloop fish run. Activities included checking fishermen on many rivers and on the shore of Lake Superior. Some examples of violations include taking in closed areas, taking in closed hours, and using illegal methods. Several calls were returned during the week. Met with a few beaver trappers in the field. Work was completed to have three local trappers become certified wolf controllers. Smelting activity has really picked up this week with many having success.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reports anglers and smelters were checked for compliance. Several ATVs were seen out enjoying the spring weather. A complaint of a problem wolf was received. An interview about water safety was given. Several incidentally caught otters were turned in by local beaver trappers. Participated in several late night work details in the area protecting the spring fish run.

Lake Superior

Marine Unit

Keith Olson (Unit Leader-Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers along the North Shore. Fielded several questions on the proposed early fishing opener. The recent heavy rainfall is greatly needed for the river flows and fire danger.

Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers, smelters, and watched rivers for illegal activities. Worked AIS violations for boats leaving accesses on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations and illegal take.

Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) monitored angler activity as fishing continues in a very low-water spring. Lower numbers of both anglers and trout have been seen due to the lack of warm spring flow. Incidentally taken otter were seized from an area trapper, and questions were answered reference invasive species issues. Two people were apprehended netting fish from a sanctuary in the middle of the night.

Tags: two harbors, outdoors