Red River Angler's Guide

The Red River of the North - Best of the Best - Trophy Catfish and a Whole Lot More

Produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

When the who's who of catfish angling talk about channel catfish, the Red River leads the pack. The Red River is internationally known for its trophy-sized channel catfish. The area from Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, north to Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is prime territory for large catfish.

In recent years, European and Australian anglers have been attracted to the Red River fishery, not because of catfish, but because of carp! Yes, carp are a highly desirable game fish in many parts of the world. The world is getting smaller. You may be fishing next to an angler who traveled thousands of miles to fish this river.

Fishing is Big Business

A 2000 survey conducted by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department from mid March to the end of October estimated angler use at 64,880 fishing trips by individuals. While the majority of the anglers using the Red River are from Minnesota and North Dakota, many travel great distances to enjoy fishing on the river – from Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, and other southern states. Resident anglers typically traveled less than 30 miles to fish the river. The overall fishery contributed an estimated $4.5 million to the local economy with nonresident anglers contributed $2.2 million of those dollars

Riparian Lands

Good land stewardship practices within watersheds, and especially on land next to streams, rivers, lakes, and ditches, benefit not only adjacent waters but also downstream areas as well. Some of the benefits are bank stabilization, flood control, improved water quality, and wildlife habitat. Leaves, bark, and wood entering the water provide valuable habitat for invertebrates, insects, fish, and other wildlife. Trees, snags, and large woody debris along the stream bank and in the channel provide current breaks, shade, ambush sites, spawning substrate, and cover for fish. Anglers benefit because fish congregate around good habitat.

Riparian lands function as flood plains to reduce downstream flooding, and as buffer strips to remove sediment, chemicals, and trash. Protecting a natural stream corridor is like putting money in the bank. And, yes, the fish you eat will have fewer chemicals in their flesh.

People living in the Red River valley can help the river’s fish and wildlife populations by only using the proper amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and only when needed. Any excess of these chemicals can enter the river and can be harmful to the river’s aquatic life. The river is not a suitable place to dispose of trash and rubbish, for diluting chemicals or organic material discharge, and dumping ground. The Red River is an important resource to all of us and we all must take care to prevent its abuse.

Fisheries Management on the Red River

The Red River Fisheries Technical Committee was formed in 1989 to manage shared fish stocks in the Red River. Fisheries professionals from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Canadian province of Manitoba are represented on the committee.

Goals of the committee:

1. To determine the status of the fish populations,
2. To determine necessary management options to protect the fish stocks,
3. To develop standardized fisheries assessment methodology, and,
4. To develop an action plan for future management on the Red River.

One of the first actions of the committee was to suggest a special regulation to protect the population of large channel catfish from over-harvest - reduced the possession limit of catfish to five and only one fish could be over 24 inches - and this was in place for the 1990 fishing season for North Dakota and in 1991 for Minnesota.

In 1990, Minnesota and North Dakota conducted a project where 6,800 catfish were tagged in the Red River and four of its tributaries. A radio-telemetry study of channel catfish movement in 1997 and 1998 was done by the University of North Dakota. A study of fish species spawning in the Red River and its tributaries was done in 1999, 2000, and 2001 by University of North Dakota was funded by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. From 1996 to 1998, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department conducted a series of population estimates to determine the number of larger channel catfish in the river. These intense sampling efforts were in part to evaluate the impacts of the 1990 channel catfish regulations, to determine the number of fish in the river, and the size structure of the Red River’s channel catfish population.

Both states have conducted angler surveys on the Red River to determine: the use of the river by residents and nonresidents; catch and harvest rates of various fish species; time of year and general location when harvest of fish was occurring; and a series of angler attitude questions. Creels were conducted in 1994 by Minnesota during four summer months, in 2000 during the open water months by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department during the spring creels in 1998 and 1999, 2000, and 2003 to determine the impacts of experimental spring fishing on the river’s walleye population.

In 1998 process of evaluating the impacts from opening the Red River to fishing in the spring began, prior to 1998 the Red River was closed to fishing which was prevent the over-harvest of walleye and sauger. Spring fishing on the river from 2000 to 2004 included a series of size limits and possession limits to limit the number of walleye harvested and the harvest of large walleye. Based on the information that the angler surveys provided, the restrictive limits on walleye in the spring and more liberal limits during the remainder of the year were having little or no impact on the walleye population. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department proposed a year round daily and possession limit of three walleye and or sauger with no size limits. This regulation will provide year round restrictions to the over-harvest of walleye or sauger and the regulations is reasonable and enforceable by conservation officers from both states. This new regulation went into effect on the first of April, 2004. As with all new regulations, the three walleye limit will be evaluated to see if it is accomplishing the goals and objectives needed for the river.

In 1995 and 2001, the Minnesota DNR was assisted by North Dakota Game and Fish Department in routine sampling the Red River. This work is to determine the general fish population, the numbers and size structure of various species, and serves to develop a trend line to look for changes in the fish populations.

The committee has attempted to standardize regulations on the Red River to make fishing the border more user friendly. Any fishing regulation should be based on sound biology, be enforceable, and be evaluated to ensure that it is making fishing better and more enjoyable.

Trespass Laws

Minnesota trespass law: Ask first.

Always ask for permission before entering private land. Unless the DNR has purchased an access easement from the landowner, you may not trespass on privately owned lake or stream shorelines without permission.

North Dakota trespass law: Ask first.

Always required to enter private land that is posted. It is recommended that you always get permission to enter private land that is not posted.

Trespassing is a misdemeanor in both Minnesota and North Dakota. If you are convicted of violating trespass laws, your fishing privilege may be revoked. All conservation officers and peace officers enforce trespass laws.

Low-head Dams

Low-head dams on the Red River -- Danger! Drowning Machines

The Red River has eight low-head dams, and many of its tributaries have them as well. Low-head dams are so dangerous they are called drowning machines because, as water rolls over the dam, it creates an hydraulic current that pulls objects back to the face of the dam and to the bottom of the stream.

Low-Head Dams Inhibit Upstream Fish Movement

In addition, the vertical wall of the dam presents a major barrier to upstream fish movement unless the dam is overtopped by a flood. The drowning out of the dam (over topping of the dam wall) must occur when the fish are moving upstream in early summer.

Five of these dams have been modified by building inclines made up of large rocks and boulders below the dams. The rocked fish passageway allows fish to move over the dams and remove the plunge pool below dams that have drowned individuals.

The following is a list of low-head dams and which on have been modified:

• Wahpeton-Breckenridge (modified)
• Wolverton, N. Dak.
• Hickson, N. Dak.
• Fargo-Moorhead (all three in town have been modified)
• Grand Forks-East Grand Forks (modified)
• Drayton, N. Dak.

Catch and Release

The Red River and several of its tributaries possess a high quality fishery. Channel catfish, northern pike, sauger, walleye, smallmouth bass, and carp are present, many of them trophy size. Muskies are present in low numbers, but large fish have been sampled in recent years.

Anglers are encouraged to release medium-to-large fish of all species to maintain the high quality fishery.

Almost all fish correctly played, landed, and released will survive. Studies by natural resources agencies have shown survival rates of between 70-100 percent for released fish.

To ensure that the fish you release survive, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Use barbless hooks,
2. Set the hook quickly,
3. Play the fish quickly,
4. Hold the fish firmly, but gently while removing the hook,
5. Use a needle nose pliers to remove the hooks,
6. Cut the line if the fish is throat-hooked, and,
7. Gently slide the fish into the water.

Fishes of the Red River

The Red River is home to a diverse, quality fish community. Researchers have identified more than 50 species.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are the most common game fish within the Red River and its tributaries. They are slow growing and do not attain 30 inches in length until they are teenagers. Some channel catfish have been aged at 24 years old, and they can grow to more than 30 pounds.

Natural reproduction is adequate to sustain a world class fishery. Because catfish are at the northern extent of their range, sexual development requires a huge investment in energy. To compensate for this high-energy demand, some Red River catfish do not spawn every year. Channel catfish average size increase as one moves downstream.

The Red River tagging study showed that most catfish movement is localized, although some fish travel large distances (up to 300 miles).

Low-head dams on the river inhibit fish movement, but some tagged catfish were able to move around dams during high-flow periods. Catfish utilize Red River tributary streams for spawning, nursery, and adult life stages.

Muskellunge

Reports of anglers catching muskies on the Red River are becoming more common. The muskie are most likely those that have moved downstream from lakes stocked in Minnesota. The Red River is not likely to produce many muskie, but they are a trophy when caught and great memory when released. Please report muskie catches to a local fisheries office, along with a photo if possible.

Muskies spawn when the water temperature reaches 48-59 degrees, about two weeks after northern pike. They usually spawn a second time about 14 days following the first spawn. The eggs of a muskie are not adhesive as are those of northern pike. Muskie eggs settle to the bottom and hatch in about 20 days.

The diet of a muskie is similar to that of that of the northern pike.

Northern pike

Northern pike are common throughout the Red River watershed. Specimens as large as 45 inches were sampled during the 1995 assessment netting. There are year classes of northern pike in the population, but the numbers of fish has remained stable for the past few years. Anglers can expect the northern pike to remain at the present level of years to come.

Northern pike spawn as soon as tributaries are free of ice (33-45 degrees). They spawn in wetlands and flooded vegetation within the floodplain. Northern pike will move up watersheds until they encounter a barrier. It is not uncommon to hear of them being stranded in ditches and fields after moving up through farm tile. The female randomly deposits her sticky eggs on submerged vegetation.

Northern pike eggs hatch in about two weeks. The fry feed on plankton and then invertebrates but soon switch to a diet of fish. They grow to a length of 8-12 inches during their first year and live 10-12 years, often exceeding 20 pounds. Pike feed on a variety of fish species.

Smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass were introduced to the Red Lake River in the early 1980s to provide a game fish for the high quality rock-riffle areas between Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks. Today, there is a self-sustaining population. Smallmouth bass exceeding four pounds are present in the upstream areas of the Red River from Breckenridge-Wahpeton to Grand Forks. They are abundant in the lower reaches of the Red Lake River downstream from Thief River Falls, Minnesota and a few fish are caught in the main stem Red River near the mouths of the Ottertail River or Red Lake River.

Smallmouth bass spawn in late May to late June. The male builds a nest for the female to deposit her eggs and defends the nest and young until they are able to feed on their own. Best year classes are produced during years of moderate to low flow.

Smallmouth bass feed on insects, fish, frogs and crayfish.

Fresh-water drum (sheepshead, croaker, thunder-pumper)

Fresh-water drum are common in the main stem of the Red River and the lower reaches of the larger tributaries. Downstream reaches possess the largest individuals.

The drum has a special set of muscles it vibrates against its swim bladder to produce a loud drumming or croaking sound for which they are named. Drum are bottom feeders. They eat insects, small fish, crayfish, and small clams.

Drum spawn in early-to-late June. Spawning occurs in open water, and the eggs are broadcast over the stream bottom. Croaking or drumming can be heard with regularity during the spawn.

Sauger

Sauger are abundant in the lower reaches of the Red River downstream from Grand Forks. They grow to lengths of about 16 inches in the Red River.

Sauger spawn in mid-to-late May over clean gravel substrate. Recruitment is stable in the Red River, with many year classes present. They feed on minnows, insects, and crayfish.

Sauger are excellent eating.

Bullheads

Black and brown bullheads are common within the watershed. Brown bullheads inhabit areas with better water quality than do black bullheads.

Bullheads build a nest to spawn in, and the male defends it from intruders. Spawning usually takes place during May and June.

Bullheads are omnivores, eating any food item. Their diet may include worms, minnows, snails, clams, frogs, crayfish, and even vegetation on occasion.

Bullheads are easy to catch and tasty to eat, usually as a smoked fish.

Walleye

Walleye are common throughout the Red River and its larger tributaries. Fish as large as 12-13 pounds are caught each year.

Walleye spawn in late April to mid May over clean gravel and rock or over clam beds. The female randomly deposits her sticky eggs on the gravel and rock. Eggs hatch in about three weeks.

Red River walleye grow fast, and recruitment into the population is stable, with many year classes present. Walleye feed on fish, worms, insects, and crayfish.

Walleye are excellent eating.

Goldeye and mooneye

Goldeye and mooneye are common in the Red River and the lower reaches of its larger tributaries. Goldeye are abundant in the downstream reaches of the Red River, while mooneye are more abundant in the upstream reaches.

Goldeye and mooneye spawn in June, broadcasting their eggs along the bottom. They feed on a variety of insects, small fish, crayfish, and small clams. Goldeye and mooneye are a very important forage for large predator fish such as channel catfish, walleye, and northern pike.

Anglers catch goldeye and mooneye for bait or to eat, usually smoked.

Carp

Carp are common in the Red River and downstream from major fish barriers on its tributaries.

Carp spawn in early May through late June, broadcasting their eggs over flooded vegetation and will enter tributaries to spawn.

Carp are exceptional fighters and good table fare. Anglers from Europe and Australia come to Manitoba waters of the Red River to fish this untapped resource.

Lake sturgeon

Lake sturgeon were common in the Red River and several of its tributary streams in the early 1900s. They have been caught from headwater streams such as the Roseau, Red Lake, Wild Rice, Cheyenne, Pelican, and Otter Tail rivers. As the Red River Valley was settled and developed and rivers were dammed and polluted, sturgeon numbers declined.

There is no open angling season for lake sturgeon on the Red River. An angler who catches a sturgeon must immediately release the fish. Those anglers who do catch a sturgeon should check to see if there is a small fish tag has been attached near its dorsal fin. If there is a tag, write down the number before releasing the fish, do not remove the tag, and report the numbers to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Manitoba, Minnesota, and North Dakota are developing a joint management plan to increase the number of lake sturgeon in the Red River. You can help this effort by reporting historic and present day observations of lake sturgeon.

Estimated Fish Weight for Each Length Interval

Individual fish weights may vary from this estimate

Total Length (Inches)	Estimated weight in pounds for selected fish
	Channel Catfish	Walleye	Northern Pike	Carp	Smallmouth bass
10	-	0.3	-	-	0.5
11	-	0.4	-	-	0.6
12	0.5	0.5	-	0.8	0.8
13	0.6	0.7	-	1.0	1.1
14	0.8	0.9	-	1.2	1.4
15	1.0	1.1	-	1.5	1.7
16	1.2	1.3	1.1	1.8	2.1
17	1.5	1.6	1.3	2.1	2.5
18	1.9	1.9	1.6	2.4	3.0
19	2.2	2.3	1.9	2.8	3.6
20	2.7	2.7	2.2	3.2	4.3
21	3.1	3.1	2.6	3.7	5.0
22	3.7	3.6	3.0	4.2	5.8
23	4.3	4.1	3.4	4.7	6.6
24	4.9	4.7	3.9	5.3	-
25	5.7	5.3	4.4	5.9	-
26	6.5	6.0	5.0	6.6	-
27	7.4	6.8	5.6	7.3	-
28	8.3	7.6	6.3	8.1	-
29	9.4	8.5	7.0	8.9	-
30	10.5	9.4	7.8	9.8	-
31	11.8	10.2	8.6	10.7	-
32	13.1	11.5	9.5	11.6	-
33	14.6	12.6	10.5	12.7	-
34	16.1	13.9	11.5	13.7	-
35	17.8	15.2	12.6	14.9	-
36	19.6	16.6	13.7	16.1	-
37	21.5	18.0	14.9	17.3	-
38	23.5	19.6	16.2	18.6	-
39	25.7	21.2	17.6	20.0	-
40	28.0	-	19.0	21.4	-
41	30.6	-	20.5	22.9	-
42	33.2	-	22.1	24.5	-
43	36.0	-	23.8	26.1	-
44	38.9	-	25.6	27.8	-
45	42.0	-	27.4	29.6	-

Fish consumption advisory

The Minnesota and North Dakota health departments have developed guidelines for how often fish can be safely eaten. The advisories are not intended to discourage anglers from eating fish, but should be used as a guide to choosing which are safest to eat. Recommendations for individual waters are listed in these publications.

• For more information, anglers should refer to the current publication of the Minnesota Fish Consumption Advisory. Copies are available at local Minnesota DNR offices and from the Minnesota Department of Health at 1-800-627-3529.
• In North Dakota, anglers should contact the North Dakota State Department of Health and Consolidated Laboratories at (701) 328-5210.

To report game and fish violations

Call the following numbers to report game and fish violations 24 hours a day.

• Minnesota TIP (Turn In Poachers) Call 1-800-652-9093. TIP pays cash rewards for tips leading to arrests. Callers can remain anonymous.
• North Dakota RAP (Report all Poaching) Call 1-800-472-2121. RAP pays cash rewards from $100 to $1000 depending on the nature and seriousness of the crime. Callers can remain anonymous. Anonymous callers receive a special code number and are not required to give their name.

Minnesota DNR Fisheries Offices

• Baudette Area Office
  Rte. 1, Box 1001
  Baudette, MN 56623
  218-634-2522
• Detroit Lakes Area Office
  P.O. Box 823
  Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
  218-846-8340
• Fergus Falls Area Office
  1221 Fir Avenue East
  Fergus Falls, MN 56537
  218-739-7576

North Dakota Fisheries Offices

• Devils Lake District Office
  7928 45th St. N.E.
  Devils Lake, ND 58301-8501
  701-662-3617
• Jamestown District Office
  3320 E. Lakeside Road
  PO Box 309
  Jamestown, ND 58402
  701-253-6480

Public access sites

• Pembina, N. Dak. : The Pembina city campground has a concrete ramp, dock, and a bank fishing area. The campground is located at the confluence of the Pembina and Red Rivers.
• Minnesota Highway #175 Crossing : A public boat launching and bank fishing site is located 10 miles west of Hallock on Highway #175 on the north side of the highway bridge. There is a bituminous-surface parking area for 15 car-trailer units and a concrete plank ramp. No services.
• Drayton, N. Dak. : The Drayton dam has a concrete ramp and a bank fishing area. The city of Drayton has a concrete ramp and a bank fishing area located directly east of the city water tower.
• Oslo, Minn. : Boat launching and bank fishing site located on the north side of the MN Highway #1 bridge near the water tower. Bituminous surfaced parking lot for 10-12 car- trailer units. There is a concrete ramp with floating dock. No services.
• Grand Forks, N. Dak. : There is a concrete ramp and bank fishing area located east of State Mill road approximately 1.5 miles north of US Highway 2. There is bank fishing area downstream of the Riverside dam located east of State Mill road on Red Dot Place. Grand Forks also has two large parks (Central and Lincoln) along the Red River. Bank fishing is a popular activity in these parks.
• East Grand Forks, Minn. : A public boat launching site is located in central East Grand Forks off Hill Street at Central Avenue. This is a full service municipal park facility with camping, electric and water hook ups, sanitary facilities, and picnic area. There is a gravel parking lot for many vehicles. A dock is located adjacent to the ramp. Lafave Park has good public bank-fishing opportunities on the Red River and Red Lake River.
• Buxton, N. Dak. : Belmont Park east of Buxton has a concrete ramp and bank fishing. Camping, water, and toilets are available.
• Halstad Municipal Park, Minn. : Bank fishing opportunities and earthen boat ramp are located 1 mile west of MN Highway # 75 on MN Highway #200 in Halstad. There is a picnic area with water, shelter and sanitary facilities.
• Norman County Road #25, Minn. : A public boat launching site located 1 mile west of MN Highway #75 on Norman County Road #25, near Hendrum. Asphalt parking surface for 8-10 car-trailer units. Concrete plank ramp. No dock or services are available.
• Fargo, N. Dak. : Bank fishing opportunities are located at Fargo water treatment plant, Trollwood Park, Veterans Hospital, El Zagel Park, Tree Foil Park (also called Dike East), North Dam, Oak Grove Park, Middle Dam, Lindenwood Park and Lemke Park (South Dam).
• Moorhead, Minn. : A public boat launching site located off of Eleventh Street North at M.B. Johnson Park, about ½ mile north of the Crystal Sugar processing plant. There is a bituminous- surface parking area for 15-20 car-trailer units and a bituminous-surface access to a double concrete plank ramp. No dock or services. Bank fishing opportunities are located at: M.B. Johnson Park, North Dam, Memorial Riverfront Park, Woodlawn Park, Middle Dam, Gooseberry Mound Park, and River Oaks Park (South Dam).
• Abercrombie, N. Dak. - Located just south of Fort Abercrombie historical site. Concrete ramp.
• Wahpeton, N. Dak. - Breckenridge, Minn. : A public boat launching site, public fishing pier, and bank fishing areas located off U.S. Highway 75 to Minnesota Avenue in the city of Breckenridge; west on Minnesota Avenue to the Red River. Concrete boat launch ramp, parking, and pier are located in Wells Memorial Park on the south shore of the Otter Tail River.

Tourism promotion organizations

For information on accommodations, local events, river conditions, camping sites, local contacts, maps, or guides, the following organizations would like to serve you:

• Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce
  Ms. Sue Wanek
  420 Nebraska Avenue
  Breckenridge, MN 56520
  (218) 643-5244
• Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce
• Ms. Jeannine Windels
  1915 University Avenue Suite #2
  Crookston, MN 56716
  (218) 281-4320 or 1-800-809-5997
• Drayton Community Chamber of Commerce
• 604 North Main
  Drayton, ND 58225
  (701) 454-3474
• East Grand Forks Area Chamber
  Ms. Diana Blair
  P.O. Box 295, 2184th St. NW
  East Grand Forks, MN 56721
  (218) 773-7481
• Fargo/Moorhead CVB
  Mr. Cole Carley
  2001 44th Street S.W.
  Fargo, ND 58103
  (701) 282-3653 or 1-800-235-7654
• Fergus Falls CVB
  Ms. Judy Stringer
  Box 868
  Fergus Falls, MN 56538
  (218) 736-6979 or 1-800-726-8959
• Greater Grand Forks CVB
  Ms. Kim David
  4251 Gateway Drive
  Grand Forks, ND 58203
  (701) 746-0444 or 1-800-866-4566
• Grafton Chamber Office
  Joyce Geddes
  432 Hill Avenue
  Grafton, ND 58237
  (701) 352-0781
• Mahnomen Chamber of Commerce
  Mr. Tom Ryan
  P.O. Box 36
  Mahnomen, MN 56557
  (701) 935-2573
• Red Lake Falls Civic & Commerce
  P.O. Box 37
  Red Lake Falls, MN 56570
  (218) 253-2684
• Northwest Gateway Association
  Ms. Jan Anderson
  Stephen, MN 56757
  (218) 478-3092
• Riverland Association
  P.O. Box 692
  Thief River Falls, MN 56701
  (218) 681-3720
• Thief River Falls CVB
  Ms. Julie Olson
  2017 Highway #59 S.E.
  Thief River Falls, MN 56701
  (218) 681-3720 or 1-800-827-1629
• Wahpeton Recreational Department
  120 4th St. N., City Hall
  Wahpeton, ND 58075
  (701) 642-2811
• Rendezvous Region
  Kathy Stremick
  P.O. Box 384
  WaIhalla, ND 58282
  (701) 549-2707

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