Red (Upper Red) Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Waskish. DNR lake ID 04003501.
Red (Upper Red) Lake is a 119,295-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Waskish. Its deepest point reaches 15 ft, and about 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 3.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. The DNR lists it for starry stonewort. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04003501 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Waskish |
| Surface area | 119,295 acres |
| Maximum depth | 15 ft |
| Mean depth | 12.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 40% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 3.5 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 3.5 ft.
Fishing on Red (Upper Red) Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 44.65 | 3.3 to 14.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 0.95 | 0.9 to 4.3 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.4 | 9.9 to 57.1 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.55 | 0.1 to 0.7 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.05 | 0.1 to 1.1 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2022), Northern pike 37.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2010).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Rock bass, Lake whitefish, Burbot, Lake sturgeon, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Northern pike limit 3; 30 to 40 in must be released (one over 40 allowed). Walleye limit 2; 17 to 26 in must be released (one over 26 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: starry stonewort (listed 2016).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Bullhead Lake 20.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Red Lake 21.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Dark Lake 26.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Hagali Lake 26.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Ten Mile Lake 26.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Island Lake 27.1 mi, Beltrami County
- White Fish Lake 27.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Dellwater Lake 27.9 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Red (Upper Red) Lake
How deep is Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Red (Upper Red) Lake reaches a maximum depth of 15 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Red (Upper Red) Lake covers about 119,295 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Summer water clarity on Red (Upper Red) Lake averages 3.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Red (Upper Red) Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Red (Upper Red) Lake for starry stonewort.
What fish are in Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, lake whitefish, burbot, lake sturgeon in Red (Upper Red) Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
How is the walleye population on Red (Upper Red) Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2015 to 2022, walleye numbers on Red (Upper Red) Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Homes on Red (Upper Red) Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Red (Upper Red) Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 40% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 3.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Red (Upper Red) Lake?
Yes. Northern pike limit 3; 30 to 40 in must be released (one over 40 allowed). Walleye limit 2; 17 to 26 in must be released (one over 26 allowed).
Ask us about Red (Upper Red) Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.