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Weekly CO report

District 8 - Duluth area

Last updated: 2025-05-12

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) worked a busy fishing opener. It was great to see very few watercraft registration and angling license violations. The most common violation observed was not having a throwable personal flotation device onboard and immediately available on watercraft 16 feet or longer. He also reminds those interested in angling on the St. Louis River Estuary that the sanctuary from the MN-WI Boundary Cable downstream to the Hwy 23 Bridge is still closed to angling through May 18th, 2025.

CO Tony Elwell (Cloquet) provided tactical flight officer support during fire detection flights this week. A calf depredation was investigated. Nuisance bear calls were handled. Anglers were checked during the fishing opener. Fishing success was mixed but most anglers caught fish. ATV and OHM violations were addressed this week as well as various angling license and watercraft safety equipment violations.

CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) worked area waterbodies over the fishing opener. Many anglers were checked with some seen having success. Wind and heat affected numbers of people on the water on Sunday. Likewise, current weather conditions have posed serious fire danger for most all of Minnesota.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) assisted with a big game investigation during the week. Time was also spent patrolling recreational vehicle areas. A busy fishing opener was worked in the area. Of all the lakes checked not a single walleye was seen. Enforcement action continues to be the highest for juvenile ATV operators/passengers not wearing helmets.

CO Soriano (Hinckley) checked many anglers along the local rivers and lakes with fellow COs. Many were eager for Fishing opener, but a few anglers were found to be in possession of game fish out of season and/or without licenses. Enforcement action was taken. The long-awaited opening of forest roads and SOME trails has finally taken place in Pine County. Riders are encouraged to refresh their knowledge of all applicable laws especially for Youth operators / riders.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) spent time on patrol for illegal shooting and dumping, and OHV activity. Many boaters and anglers were checked throughout the week and weekend. The walleye bite was slow for most on all but one lake. There were many walleyes caught on one area lake, but they were small, and few were being kept. There were very few violations encountered.

Duluth West vacant.