Red Lake (also called Upper Red Lake) is located in northern Minnesota within Beltrami County. It's a popular ice fishing spot for anglers, but also offers good fishing opportunities during warmer months. The lake is stocked with a number of fish species, including walleyes. In fact, it's considered one of the state's top walleye fishing lakes in Minnesota.
About the Lake
The lake spans 108,000 acres and is 24 miles long. It's approximately 12 miles across at its widest point. More than half of the lake is under the jurisdiction of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and is closed to nonband members unless tribal permission is granted. The remaining section is controlled and managed by the state. The lake is stocked with walleye by the Department of Natural Resources each year.
Fish Species
Anglers can expect to find walleyes, northern pike, crappies and jumbo perch, among other game fish species in Red Lake. In addition to the lake's plenty of walleyes, the lake also supplies enormous record-breaking-sized crappies and pike.
Fishing Season
The fishing season for fish species found in Red Lake usually begins in mid-May and runs through the end of February of the following year. Official start and end dates may vary each season to accommodate changing weather and water conditions.
Fishing Regulations
The state fishing regulations apply to anglers fishing Red Lake. For example, the state prohibits the use of bow and spears. The state requires anglers to purchase a fishing license from a DNR licensing agent. The state sells licenses for residents and nonresidents of various classifications. An annual fishing license runs from March 1 through April 30 of the next year. More information about fishing regulations is available on DNR's website.
Cabins and Campsites
Red Lake, Minnesota, is a popular vacation destination that combines fishing with other recreational activities, like camping, hunting and boating. A number of cabins and camping locations exist on and near the lake. The Big Bog State Recreation Area provides visitors access to electric and nonelectric camping areas, in addition to heated, rustic cabins. Red Lake State Park located on the southeastern side of the lake also provides campsites as well as docks for fishing. Two others, Pine Island State Forest and Lost River State Forest, offer camping opportunities near Red Lake as well.
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