Red River Fishing
Wilkin County and 6 other counties, Red River of the North State Water Trail.
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The short version on the Red River
The Red River is a Minnesota river with its course in Wilkin County and 6 other counties. About 448 miles are mapped in Minnesota. Halstad is the closest Census city, roughly 2 miles away. The Red River of the North State Water Trail follows it.
Readings come from 1 active gauge. There are 7 public accesses along it.
The Red River at the latest reading
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Red River Of The North At Oslo, Mn | 8.63 ft gage height | Nov 12 3:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 3:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Launching on the Red River
- Red River, MB Johnson Park Access2 ramps, 15 trailer stalls, toilet, Clay County, river mile 452.1
- Red River, Hendrum Access1 ramp, 8 trailer stalls, Norman County, river mile 392.7
- Red River, Halstad Landing Access1 ramp, 8 trailer stalls, Norman County, river mile 381.5
- Red River, LaFave Access1 ramp, 10 trailer stalls, Polk County, river mile 301.9
- Red River, Oslo Access1 ramp, 12 trailer stalls, toilet, Marshall County, river mile 274.5
- Red River, Golden Grain Access1 ramp, 12 trailer stalls, Kittson County, river mile 180.2
- Red River, Hilltop Access1 ramp, 24 trailer stalls, toilet, Kittson County, river mile 171
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the Red River
The DNR posts no rule for the Red River by name.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Bait and tackle closest to Red River
- Today's Tacklebait and tackle shop, Beltrami, 19 miles
Minnesota towns closest to Red River
- Halstad2 miles
- Shelly7 miles
- Hendrum7 miles
- Nielsville11 miles
Rivers one stop past the Red River
- Sand Hill River27 miles
- Buffalo River30 miles
- Felton Creek33 miles
- Wild Rice River39 miles
Red River, county lines
- Wilkin County
- Polk County
- Kittson County
- Clay County
- Marshall County
- Norman County
- Traverse County
Piscifun gear suited to the Red River
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Handy answers on the Red River
Through which counties does the Red River run?
Look in Wilkin County and 6 other counties.
Do I need a trout stamp on the Red River?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the Red River discharge today?
The 1 USGS gauge readings sit above.
Is there a boat launch on the Red River?
7 public accesses, such as Red River, MB Johnson Park Access.
Are there bait limits on the Red River?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the Red River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Is there a bait and tackle stop near the Red River?
Today's Tackle, roughly 19 miles from the midpoint.
Which town sits near the Red River?
The closest Census city is Halstad (2 miles).
Which fish can I hook in the Red River?
No survey list exists in the sources used.