Weekly DNR Reports

[Lee Borgersen]

CO Report: Ice improving, fishing success varies

Jan 11, 2017

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked ice anglers. The perch bite is good while the walleye and northern fishing was slow. A complaint of a truck driving on a snowmobile trail was taken. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines, no fishing license, unattended lines, marijuana possession, and no fishing license in possession.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week monitoring fishing, trapping, and snowmobiling activity. Anglers continue to report limited success. Area snowmobile trails are in need of more snow. Enforcement action included no angling license in possession, angling with extra lines,

expired all-terrain vehicle registration, and no angling license.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) registered fur for local trappers, checked fishermen, and patrolled snowmobilers. Calls were handled on dogs possibly killed by wolves, burning permits, and questions on Wildlife Management Area.

CO Chelsey Best (Remer) worked on fishing, snowmobiling and ATV enforcement. Some fishing success was observed and ice thickness continues to improve throughout the area.

Snowmobile traffic also increased as trail conditions improved.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd 2) worked sport fishing and snowmobile enforcement this week.

Officer Guida checked numerous anglers. Anglers are reminded that ATVs and snowmobiles used on public water require current and properly displayed registration.

CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) reports he worked fishing enforcement this past week. The ice anglers were out trying their luck. Ice conditions vary from open water areas to 14 inches of ice. Violations observed were unattended lines and extra hooks. The ice conditions have improved, however slush and large pressure ridges developed on Gull Lake and other area lakes. He worked the complaints of speeding snowmobilers on Gull Lake. Other violations observed were no safety certificate and expired registration.

CO Tim Collette (Crosslake) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Fishing success has been slow with the cold weather. The Gull Lake officer assisted with patrol in Crosslake area this week and assistance was given to the Brainerd officer for an on-going Turn in Poachers call in that area.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked ice fishermen and snowmobilers. Snow conditions are good in the Park Rapids area. Officer Hunter also received a call of a deer with an arrow in its back leg.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reports activity of checking fishing, snowmobile, and cross country ski activity, and investigating complaints of suspicious fishing activity, illegal fishing on a closed trout lake, illegal fish houses, trespass, illegal use of grant-in-aid ski trails, vehicle left at public access, and litter. Numerous enforcement contacts were made for associated violations including one individual who faces trespass charges and confiscation of a rifle after being caught on surveillance cameras on posted land twice, while allegedly hunting red squirrels.

CO Patrick McGowan (Pine River) spent time patrolling for angling and snowmobile activity. Numerous snowmobilers were out enjoying good trail conditions. Enforcement action was taken for numerous snowmobile and angling violations.

CO Amber Ladd (McGregor) reports even with the cold weather the area has been enduring, several anglers and snowmobilers have still been out and about. Anglers have been getting mixed success and the ones who have been finding some fish have worked hard for them. The ice conditions are OK in most areas, but as always, use caution before venturing out. The snowmobile trails have been getting some more traffic on them this weekend, which is going to help if more snow comes so there is a good base. Officer Ladd reminded a group of snowmobilers about riding safely even in familiar areas as wind-blown snow can cover up hazards, and using good equipment as one rider's helmet was completely frosted up making it difficult for the rider to see. Ladd also attended training in Big Fork.