District 1 - Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on the opening weekend of fishing on Lake of the Woods. Fishing success was quite good in places, slower in others. Violations included angling without a license, angling with an extra line, and other minor equipment and license violations. Assistance was given to a boater whose boat slid off of the trailer on the boat ramp. A cease and desist order was issued to someone dumping concrete and gravel in a wetland.

CO Tony Hams (Warroad North) spent the week monitoring ATV traffic and checking area anglers. Anglers were reporting limited success and stayed in close due to windy conditions. Violations encountered were no throwable on board, no license in possession, and displaying expired registration.

CO Coby Fontes (Warroad South) patrolled Beltrami Forest for ATV activity and followed up on a pine marten trap that was left out since the previous trapping season. Anglers and boaters were checked on Lake of the Woods for the walleye opener. Boats were checked from the south shore to the NW Angle, with many anglers reporting a good bite on Saturday. Violations encountered included anglers using an extra line, expired watercraft registration, and other boating equipment violations.

CO Nicholas Prachar (Baudette West) reports a windy but busy fishing opener. Time was spent working on Upper Red Lake and Rainy River. Enforcement action was taken for no license in possession, angling with an extra line, angling with no angling license, and illegal length fish.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls West) instructed at the Conservation Officer Academy and worked the Walleye Season Opener in the Thief River Falls area. Anglers were out in good numbers, but walleye success was limited. Enforcement action for the week included angle without license, angle with extra line, boating equipment violations, no helmet on juvenile ATV passenger, and operate unregistered ATV.

CO Sarah Jahn (Thief River Falls East) worked fishing opener where anglers saw limited success. Time was also spent working ATV and trapping enforcement. A talk was given to the Golden Pioneers Club in Thief River Falls regarding Conservation Officer duties and responsibilities. A friendly reminder is given to check your boat prior to going on the water to ensure you have all the required safety equipment.

CO Nick Bruesewitz (Karlstad) spent time working ATV and angling enforcement throughout the area. CO Bruesewitz worked the fishing opener on Lake of the Woods where anglers saw some success. Time was spent assisting other agencies with calls for service.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck North) worked a busy opening weekend on Upper Red Lake. Angler success varied and strong winds on Sunday made angling challenging. Time was spent checking commercial minnow traps and returning phone calls regarding angling regulation questions.

Baudette East vacant.

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