Nestled in northern Minnesota Upper Red Lake is a boon for ice fisherman
Minnesota is known for its ice fishing. It is one of the most states in the ice fishing realm boasting lakes scattered throughout its land. It isn’t called the land of 10,000 lakes for no reason. One of the crown jewels of the state’s waterways has become Upper Red Lake. It first came to prominence in the last couple of decades for its huge crappies. In fact, ice fishing crappie was a huge business boon for the local establishments during the late 1990’s. Recently the stocking efforts of the Minnesota DNR has brought this great lake back to prominence for its walleye population. Of late the lake has become a hotbed for ice fishing walleye and is rivaling Mille Lacs ice fishing and Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing in terms of popularity and catch rate.
Upper Red Lake Ice Fishing Tips
When it comes time to book that trip to fish Upper Red Lake there are some things that you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, a portion of the lake is completely under control of the local Native American tribal council. This isn’t too big of a deal ice fishing, because that encompasses Lower Red Lake and the part you can fish is quite large in size. There are plenty of places to ice fish that is legal for us non-Native Americans.
The other thing to consider is how to get on the lake and where to fish. The lake is reasonably shallow and doesn’t have a ton of classic walleye structure. I would strongly recommend buying a road pass from one of the resorts when you are traveling on the lake. You will need to drive quite a way from shore to get to the better spots on the lake. If anything remiss happens you can always call on the resort owner to help you out of your malady. On top of that they plow the roads very well, it is almost like a highway on the ice! There are two main areas that have cropped up to stay and get on the lake, and those are cities names Rogers and Washkish. Rogers is on the south shore of Upper Red Lake and is probably best known for the fact that their roads make it all the way out to the “center bar” as many people have named it. It is a large bar way out in the lake that is known for its good walleye fishing. It is also a more popular choice from my unscientific research. Washkish is on the east side of Upper Red and has its own lake accesses and resorts. I have personally had better luck fishing out of this base point, but both spots produce fish.
One tip that worked well for me was to try presentations that are different than what most people use on the lake. Upper Red has long been known for producing with red glow ice fishing jigs. I have had success trying a different color (gold has worked well for me) in a smaller size than most will use (think 1/16 ounce as opposed to ¼ ounce). In addition, don’t be afraid to downsize your ice fishing bait a bit if the standard fatheads and shiners aren’t working.
When it comes to ice fishing in Minnesota there are many choices. I urge you to give Upper Red lake ice fishing a shot. I think you will be happy with the results.