Red Lake River Reservoir

STATUS OF THE FISHERY Red Lake River Reservoir is a unique fishing opportunity in northwestern Minnesota that lies within the city of Thief River Falls. The reservoir was created with the construction of a hydroelectric dam located downstream of the confluence of the Thief River and Red Lake River. The reservoir has a surface area of 139-acres and a maximum depth of 18 feet. The reservoir has abundant vegetation in portions of the reservoir. A fisheries survey was conducted in the summer of 2024 and indicated the presence of a variety of species within the reservoir. Walleye catch rates were near the historical average for the reservoir at just over one Walleye per gill net. Walleye averaged 10 inches in length and the largest Walleye observed was just over 27 inches long. Northern Pike catch rates increased to its highest observed catch rate since 1998 at roughly 3.5 fish per net. Average length also increased to its highest observed historically at 21.6 inches. The largest observed Northern Pike in the 2024 survey was just over 30 inches in length. However, anglers have reported catching up to 40-inch pike in the past. Panfish species including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch were all observed in the reservoir in 2024. However, poor habitat quality resulting in a lack of natural reproduction keeps these species in low abundance in the reservoir. Anglers can occasionally catch these species but should expect low catches. Yellow Perch averaged six inches in length in the 2024 survey with the largest observed perch measuring just over six inches. In 2014, Channel Catfish were observed in the reservoir above the hydroelectric dam. Up until 2014 there had not been any Channel Catfish caught above the dam. Another Channel Catfish was caught in the 2019 survey and eight were captured in the 2024 survey. In 2024 the average length of Channel Catfish was just over 16 inches with the largest Channel Catfish measuring just over 20 inches. While the Channel Catfish abundance above the dam remains low, it appears the population is increasing and fishing opportunities will likely increase if conditions for catfish within the reservoir and rivers above the reservoir continue to be suitable. Two public water access points are located on the reservoir in the city of Thief River Falls. Additionally, there are two public fishing piers available in the city parks adjacent to the reservoir. There are also fishing opportunities below the reservoir dam on Red Lake River for Walleye, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass.

Red Lake River Reservoir is a unique fishing opportunity in northwestern Minnesota that lies entirely with the city of Thief River Falls. The reservoir is created by a hydroelectric dam located just downstream of the confluence of the Thief River and Red Lake River. Red Lake River Reservoir has a surface area of 139-acres and a maximum depth of 18 feet. The reservoir has abundant in aquatic vegetation in portions of the reservoir. A fisheries population assessment was conducted during the summer of 2019. Assessment results indicate variety of species inhabit the reservoir. A Walleye catch rate of nearly three fish per net was the highest observed since 1994. Walleye averaged nearly 14 inches in length and the largest fish observed was nearly 27 inches long. Northern Pike catch rate of two fish per net was slightly below average for Red Lake River Reservoir. The average size of Northern Pike in the reservoir was slightly under 19 inches, with the largest pike sampled being nearly 33 inches. Average length of Northern Pike was approximately the average when compared to previous surveys. Anglers have reported catching pike that are 20-30 inches and that 40 inch pike have been caught in the past. Several panfish including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumkinseed, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch inhabit the reservoir. Poor habitat quality and lack of natural reproduction keeps these species in low abundance. Anglers should expect low catches of these fishes. Yellow Perch catch rate remains low though it is slightly higher than the previous survey. Average Yellow Perch length for the 2019 survey of eight inches was near the normal average for Red Lake River Reservoir. The largest Yellow Perch sampled in 2014 was slightly under 10 inches. An interesting discovery made during 2014 was the presence of Channel Catfish above the dam. One Channel Catfish was sampled during an educational event and was approximately 14 inches. Another Channel Catfish was sampled during the 2019 survey confirming the presence of multiple Channel Catfish in Red Lake River Reservoir. Abundance of Channel Catfish above the dam is likely low. Two public water access points are located on the reservoir in the city of Thief River Falls. In addition to fishing opportunities on the reservoir, opportunities for Channel Catfish, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass exist downstream of the dam.

Red Lake River Reservoir is a unique fishing opportunity in northwestern Minnesota that lies entirely with the city of Thief River Falls. The reservoir is maintained by a hydroelectric dam located just downstream of the confluence of the Thief River and Red Lake River. Red Lake River Reservoir has a surface area of 139-acres and a maximum depth of 18 feet. The reservoir is abundant in aquatic vegetation in portions of the reservoir. A fisheries population assessment was conducted during the summer of 2014. Assessment results indicate variety of species inhabit the reservoir. Walleye were present in the 2014 sample, but at low abundance. Northern Pike abundance was lower than past surveys. The average size of Northern Pike in the reservoir is 19 inches with largest pike sampled being close to 26 inches. Average length of Northern Pike has increased since the past survey. Anglers have reported catching pike that are 20-30 inches and that 40 inch pike have been caught in the past. Several panfish including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumkinseed, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch inhabit the reservoir. Poor habitat quality and lack of natural reproduction keeps these species in low abundance. Anglers should expect low catches of these fishes, but of larger size. Average length of Black Crappie and Bluegill is the highest it's been since 1994. Rock Bass abundance remains high in the reservoir and anglers can expect to catch fish averaging 6 inches. Yellow Perch abundance remains low. Yellow Perch length is the highest recorded since 1994 with fish averaging 9 inches. The largest Yellow Perch sampled in 2014 was just over 10 inches. Common Carp abundance was the highest reported since being first observed in 1994. Average Common Carp length in the reservoir was approximately 19 inches. High abundance of Common Carp may provide plenty of bowfishing opportunity. Another interesting discovery made during 2014 was the presence of Channel Catfish above the dam. One Channel Catfish was sampled during an educational event and was approximately 14 inches. Overall abundance of Channel Cats above the dam is expected to be low, but a lucky angler might happen to run into one. Two public water access points are located on the reservoir in the city of Thief River Falls. In addition to fishing opportunities on the reservoir a quality Channel Catfish, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass fishery exists downstream of the dam.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill in Red Lake River Reservoir. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Red Lake River Reservoir. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Red Lake River Reservoir has a maximum depth of 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Red Lake River Reservoir is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Red Lake River Reservoir in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.