District 8 - Duluth area

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) early in the week he fielded calls regarding injured animals and the upcoming fishing opener. Youth ATV violations were addressed as well as a trespassing complaint. Anglers were contacted and having much success this weekend. Enforcement action was taken for fishing in a closed area. He wants to remind anglers that there is no fishing allowed in the fish sanctuary of the St. Louis River Estuary from the Hwy 23 bridge upstream to the Minnesota-Wisconsin Boundary Cable until May 19th.

CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) worked a busy fishing opener over the weekend. The St Louis River and area lakes were packed with anglers and the fish seemed to cooperate as almost everyone had fish on board. Common violations related to angling/boating were observed, registration, no throwable, fire extinguishers and licensing issues.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) time was spent in the early part of the week prepping the boat, inspecting the trailer, and making sure everything was ready for the upcoming fishing opener. Night fishing run activities were also monitored throughout the week. Officer Duncan also spoke at a firearm safety class. The much-anticipated fishing opener didn?t disappoint. The weather was great, people were catching fish throughout the Duluth area, and many moms enjoyed the opportunity to fish for free.

CO Tony Elwell (Cloquet) spent time investigating a WCA violation this week. He worked the 2024 fishing opener. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the opener, and it was made better by most boats checked having multiple walleyes in the box. Among those walleyes, a good mix of year classes was observed. Various angling license and water safety violations were dealt with.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) spent the week monitoring fishing and recreational vehicle activity. The weather for fishing opener was spectacular drawing lots of watercraft to area lakes. Many were not seeing the walleye bite they had hoped for and switched to panfish. Enforcement activity for the week included fishing without a license, operating an unregistered ATV/OHM, and failure to transfer watercraft registration.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) spent the week checking for turkey hunters and ATV/OHM activities. Time was also spent preparing for the weekend fishing opener. Fisherman reported mild success. Few violations were encountered; which included violations for fishing with extra lines, no fishing license, PFD violations, aquatic invasive species violations and registration issues.

CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) worked fishing opener on local lakes. Some success was seen and most were enjoying the weather. Enforcement action was taken for various safety violations and fishing violations. ATV activity was also worked and operators were contacted about safety and registration related violations. Anglers/boaters are reminded to check their safety equipment before entering the water.

Hinckley vacant.
Statewide Marine Unit
CO Arnaud Kpachavi (Marine Unit - Metro) focused on watercraft activity during the week. He worked on Lake Minnetonka over the fishing opener weekend. Enforcement action was taken for watercraft operation and registration violations.

CO Joe Kulhanek (Marine Unit - Metro) assisted with the governors fishing opener in Lake City. He also patrolled the St. Croix River which had boaters out in force with the warm weather. Enforcement action for the week included expired registration as well as bow/transom riding.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit Duluth) prepped and delivered a watercraft to Lake of the Woods County. Anglers were checked on a beautiful opening weekend, with some fish and lots of boats out on the water. Trollers on Lake Superior had some success with lake trout and salmon. A reminder was given to some boaters to be mindful of their wake as they pass by or weave through boats on a river channel. Assistance given to local agencies with emergency calls. Enforcement action taken for watercraft violations.

CO Mitch Lawler (Marine Unit - Alexandria) focused time this week on the busy lakes in West Central Minnesota with fishing opener. Compliance overall was excellent, most boaters and anglers were well equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and current registration. Enforcement action was taken for operation of ATVs with juveniles not wearing helmets and failure to transfer ownership of a boat sale.

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