You are hereUS / Minnesota / Minnesota Lakes / Beltrami County / Lake Information for Red (Upper Red) Lake
Lake Information for Red (Upper Red) Lake
Red Lake is a lake in Beltrami County in northern Minnesota, USA. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in Minnesota.[1] The lake is separated into two sections by a peninsula on the eastern side that almost bisects it in the middle. The community of Ponemah lies on the peninsula. The two parts of the lake are known as Upper Red Lake and Lower Red Lake. The lake has a total surface area of 1,148.779 kmĀ² (443.546 sq mi).
Special Conditions Affecting Fish or Fishing Upper Red Lake is a 120,000 acre lake, 60% (72,000 acres) of which is under the jurisdiction of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians (Red Lake Band). The remaining 40% (48,000 acres) falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Minnesota. Walleye stocks in this lake were heavily exploited by a gill net fishery for many decades. Angling harvest was also substantial when strong year classes were present and recruited to the fishery.
Besides walleye, Red Lake has perch, pike, muskie, and crappie present.