District 17 - Albert Lea area

CO Jeremy Henke (Albert Lea) worked a busy fishing opener in Southern Minnesota. The walleye bite in the area was slow overall, but several nice fish were checked over the weekend. Henke reminds boaters to have enough PFD?s on board for everyone in the watercraft. Snagging fish continues to be an issue and Henke appreciates the continued Turn In Poacher?s reports to assist him in locating these individuals.

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) focused on enforcing laws related to angling, boating, and AIS this week. Weather was beautiful for ?Opener,? with sunny skies and moderate breezes. Numerous nice fish were seen in the bag. The Minnesota River is up quite a bit from where it?s recently been. Water is level with the top of most access ramps, and there is some minor flooding in the usual areas of the river bottoms. CO Howe also responded to numerous calls with questions or requests for service, and assisted a local Sheriff?s Office.

CO Meng Moua (Spring Valley) focused on fishing, AIS, and turkey hunting enforcement. Trout streams in the area were still a little dirty into the weekend from rainwater runoff but should clear up the following week. Time was also spent working the surrounding area lakes for the walleye opener over the weekend. Anglers reported a slow bite and success was mixed, but walleyes were still checked and seen harvested. The Chatfield ATV trails have remained open, but riders are asked to use caution as the area has received a good amount of rain over the past two weeks.

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) checked anglers, boaters, turkey hunters, & ATV operators. Officer Davis investigated a wetland complaint & issued a cease & desist order for the violation. Many anglers were out for the Minnesota fishing opener. Officer Davis patrolled aquatic management areas, wildlife management areas, state parks, waterfowl production areas, and responded to calls.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato #2) reports the 2024 fishing opener was extremely busy. The weather cooperated, however, very few limits of fish were seen. Most anglers were just happy to be out on the water. ATV activity was also worked.

CO Jamie VanThuyne (Mankato #1) focused on fishing and boating activity. Anglers had little success over the opener but most commented on how nice the weather was. VanThuyne also checked watercraft for AIS compliance.

CO Nicholas Ambroz (Waseca) worked angling and boating activity. Ambroz also monitored recreational vehicles.

CO Tyler Lusignan (Faribault) worked boat and water safety, AIS, and checked anglers on local lakes. On opener anglers are having good success. Multiple violations detected and enforced.

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