District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports checking anglers and watercraft operators. Time was further spent working AIS enforcement at public water access sites. A wildlife investigation was completed in Marshall County.

CO Andrew Goodman (Perham) reports working the busiest fishing opener in recent memory. Public accesses and shorelines were plump full with anglers in the early morning hours of Saturday, who found some success. Blue-bird conditions reduced success during mid-day. Multiple complaints were fielded regarding sturgeon being purposely snagged, noodled and harassed in their spawning areas; a disappointing sight for many observers. Watercraft safety rule compliance was very high for the weekend, while youth ATV operation violations remains a concern.

CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) spent the week checking fishermen and boaters. Fishing opener was busy, with many anglers having success. Panfish and walleye were the main species being targeted, with panfish being the more frequent catch. CO Swedberg also spent time patrolling for fire and AIS activity.

CO Jordan Anderson (Osage) worked the Fishing Opener weekend as well as ATV related enforcement and complaints. Enforcement action was primarily related to boating related violations, with the most common being insufficient PFDs. ATV violations addressed included Underage Drink and Drive, operate unregistered ATV, and no ATV safety.

CO Bill Landmark (Moorhead) spent the week checking anglers, responding to miscellaneous wildlife calls, and attending an interview training. Opening of walleye season was one of the busier opening days and it?s no coincidence that it was also one of the nicer openers. Angling numbers tapered off drastically on Sunday, but that is not because of lack of fish. Walleye success rates were good and the panfish are currently very active. Anglers are reminded to make sure they have all the required safety equipment on board their watercraft prior to using it for the first time. Enforcement action was taken for keeping bass during a catch and release only season, illegal length walleyes on a special regulation lake, no lifejackets onboard a watercraft, and angling without a license.

CO Angie Warren (Mahnomen) spent time on ATV and ORV activity. The angling opener weekend was worked, with anglers having mixed success. Fewer anglers were out on Sunday, with higher winds and smoke from fires in Canada. Overall, very good regulation compliance was observed.

CO Brady Manteufel (Bagley) conducted angling and watercraft safety checks. Trapping questions were answered, along with responding to calls of bear and wolf complaints. ATV safety was also addressed. Enforcement action was taken on no lifejackets on board watercraft, no helmets on youth in ATVs, and expired boat registration.

CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent the week patrolling area lakes for angling activity, responding to wildlife related incidents, and fielding calls from the public. Most anglers reported a slow walleye bite throughout opening weekend, while many anglers fishing for trout on area lakes were successful. Enforcement action was taken for watercraft registration, no angling license in possession, personal floatation device required, take walleye in closed season, and possess illegal length northern pike.

Bemidji #1 vacant.

Pelican Rapids vacant.

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