Skip to main content

Upper Red Lake

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
0
Species
19

Upper Red Lake is a large inland lake in northern Minnesota covering approximately 107,000-120,000 acres. It features a shallow bowl-shaped basin with maximum depth around 15 feet and is characterized by sand/silt/mud bottom with very little structure. The lake has stained/turbid water conditions and is connected to Lower Red Lake, but only Upper Red's eastern portion (about 48,000 acres) is open to public fishing.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Lake Sturgeon21,907 fish · Fingerlings2025
  • Lake Sturgeon24,262 fish · Fingerlings2024
  • Lake Sturgeon11,032 fish · Fingerlings2023
  • Lake Sturgeon14,013 fish · Fingerlings2019
  • Lake Sturgeon10,150 fish · Fingerlings2018

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page, opens in new tab

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Upper Red Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Shotley Brook Bridge

Shotley Brook Bridge

Bridge
Tamarac River Bridge

Tamarac River Bridge

Bridge
Jud Ditch # 8 Bridge

Jud Ditch # 8 Bridge

Bridge
Shotley Brook Bridge

Shotley Brook Bridge

Bridge
Shotley Brook Bridge

Shotley Brook Bridge

Bridge
N Br Battle River Bridge

N Br Battle River Bridge

Bridge

Know where you can legally fish on Upper Red Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Upper Red Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Upper Red Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Upper Red Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Upper Red Lake and check the forecast before you go.

UPPER RED LAKE AT WASKISH, MN

Loading flow chart…
Latest
10 yr average

Explore Minnesota waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Explore near Upper Red Lake

Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in Minnesota

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.