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Upper Red Lake vehicle restriction to end Wednesday

KAXE
Published January 9, 2024 at 1:05 PM CST
A drone footage still of Upper Red Lake in January 2024 shows fish houses and
Contributed
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Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
A drone footage still of Upper Red Lake in January 2024 shows fish houses on the ice. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office monitored ice conditions to determine whether a restriction on vehicle access to the lake should remain in place.

Aerial observations show the moving ice floe that left many anglers stranded on multiple occasions in December has locked up with colder temperatures and calmer winds.

BEMIDJI — The order restricting vehicle access on Upper Red Lake because of dangerous ice conditions will be lifted at sunrise Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs announced the change after aerial observations showed the lake has iced over, leaving little room for shifting ice to move.

Numerous ice rescues on the popular ice fishing lake in December prompted the order, when shifting ice broke away from the firmer ice near shore, stranding anglers on multiple occasions.

“Lifting of this restriction does not mean that the ice on Upper Red Lake, or any area lake, is ‘safe’ or has consistent thickness and integrity. Ice can never be considered 100% safe,” stated Riggs in a news release.

Rogers' on Red's ice bridge is seen on Upper Red Lake. Anglers used all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides up to this point as of Dec. 28, 2023, beyond which only foot traffic was advised.
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Roger's on Red
Rogers' on Red's ice bridge is seen on Upper Red Lake. Anglers used all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides up to this point as of Dec. 28, 2023, beyond which only foot traffic was advised.

An ice assessment team, including Riggs and his deputies, resort operators, Kelliher Fire and Rescue, the Red Lake Nation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are monitoring ice conditions on the lake.

“Imposing restrictions on Upper Red Lake was not an easy decision, it impacted many people and their livelihoods as well as inconvenienced those who wanted to enjoy fishing on the lake,” Riggs stated.

First responders on Upper Red Lake in 2022 preparing to rescue anglers off the ice.
Local News
Dozens rescued off of Upper Red Lake Sunday
Strong winds around the popular ice-fishing lake caused a shelf of ice to break away from shore Sunday evening.

“Since imposing the vehicle restriction, my office has not had to respond to one ice rescue on Upper Red Lake. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.”

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends the following ice thicknesses of new clear ice, with double that for white ice. Do not include snow or slush in your measurements.

  • 4 inches – foot traffic/walking. 
  • 5 to 7 inches – snowmobiles and small all-terrain vehicles. 
  • 7 to 8 inches – side-by-side ATVs. 
  • 9 to 10 inches – small cars or SUVs. 
  • 13 to 17 inches – trucks. 
  • 20 inches or more – heavy duty trucks and wheelhouses. 
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Local News KAXEPublic SafetyBeltrami CountyRed Lake