Recreation and the Red River

There are over 50 varieties of fish in the Red River

Fish the Red! There are over 50 varieties of fish in the Red River including walleye and catfish. . Check current regulations for licensing and season opening times. Because the river is the boundry between North Dakota and Minnesota, may be different regulations on each side. Because mercury accumulates in most of the fish in the world (even the fish you buy in the store) care must be taken regarding the type and amount of fish consumed you consume as well as how you prepare the fish. Health officials encourage us to eat more fish. It can be safely consumed. Take time to learn how!. Click here for information on fish preparation and consumption. Click here for information on the types of game fish in the Red River and contacts for fishing in the area.

Canoe the Red! The Red River in the FM area offers more than 20 miles of canoeing within the city limits. Contact River Keepers for low-head dams and public access points, useful tips and the latest river water level information, and for a list of canoe events and guided river tours.

Motorboat the Red! The Red River in the FM area may also be used for motor boating. Contact River Keepersfor low-head dams, public access points, river water level information, and a list of events and guided river tours. Be aware that the Red River is home to many snags and sunken logs. Deep hulled boats or long shafted motors may have problems depending upon water levels. Leave your motor unlocked when boating the Red in case you hit a snag. Also, the Red River in the FM area is only 100 feet wide. It is not ideal for large boat use. Small boats/kayaks and canoes are ideal vessels for Red River use in this area. Use care when rounding curves, there may be a canoe or another boat ahead. Be courteous to riverfront landowners and take care to minimize boat-induced wakes. Check both MN and ND current laws regarding Personal Watercraft. (PWC). Regulations are different depending on which side of the river you are on.

Canoeing is a great way to experience the red

Bird the Red! Birds abound in the water and greenway of the Red. Contact River Keepers for a list of species you might see, hiking tours, contacts for birding activities, and a mammal fact sheet.

Walk, Bike or X-Country Ski the Red! Multiuse trails for biking, hiking, and x-country skiing are maintained along the Red. Up-to-date maps can be obtained the Fargo Park District and the Moorhead Parks and Recreation Department. Some trails are open all year round. X-country skiing is encouraged in certain parks as well as on riverfront and multiuse (bike) trails. Some trails are groomed. Check with the park departments for up-to-date information. Some skiing is done on the river. Remember, ice thickness is highly variable especially around bridges and the outside corners of the river. Note that in the city, storm drain and waste water outfalls run all winter long. There is often open water or thin ice at these locations, even in the middle of winter..

Snowmobile the Red! Contact local officials for information regarding snowmobiling on the Red. It is illegal to snowmobile on public or private property within the city limits. The City of Moorhead allows snowmobiling in part of MB Johnson Park on north 11th St. It is illegal to cross private or public land, or use city owned roads to access the river by snowmobile within the city limits. Be aware of dams, stormdrain and wastewater outfalls where the water may stay open all winter long. Also, Currents under bridges and around bridges may cause thin ice. Currents could cause ice to be thin on one side of the river but thick just a few feet away. Be aware!

Learn about the Red! Want to learn more about the many opportunities offered by the Red River? Spot a problem along the river? Want to volunteer? Click here for contacts.