Lake Bemidji vs Upper Red Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Beltrami County, Minnesota, side by side.
Upper Red Lake is the larger of the two at 119,294 acres against 6,596 for Lake Bemidji. On our rankings, Upper Red Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Lake Bemidji comes out ahead for swimming, Upper Red Lake comes out ahead for camping, Lake Bemidji comes out ahead for paddling, and Upper Red Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Lake Bemidji | Upper Red Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 82 / 100 | 76 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Lavinia (Beltrami) | Waskish |
| Surface area | 6,596 acres | 119,294 acres |
| Max depth | 76 ft | 15 ft |
| Shoreline | 14.7 mi | 59.2 mi |
| Water clarity | 7.2 ft | — |
| Public access | 6 public boat launches (concrete) | 2 public boat launches (concrete) |
| Fish species | 14 | 14 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie | Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | Yes |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | Yes | Yes |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort, zebra mussel | starry stonewort |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingUpper Red Lake
- SwimmingLake Bemidji
- CampingUpper Red Lake
- PaddlingLake Bemidji
- Ice FishingUpper Red Lake
The lakes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Lake Bemidji or Upper Red Lake?
Upper Red Lake is bigger at 119,294 acres; Lake Bemidji covers 6,596 acres.
Which is deeper, Lake Bemidji or Upper Red Lake?
Lake Bemidji is deeper, with a maximum depth of 76 feet against 15 feet.
Is Lake Bemidji or Upper Red Lake better for fishing?
Upper Red Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Lake Bemidji lists 14 species and Upper Red Lake lists 14.