Location: Tamarac Fishing Platform
Managed by: MN DNR
Management Address
Waskish MN
Upper Red Lake is one of Minnesota's premier Walleye fishing resources and this Pier is located on the Tamarack River which flows into the lake. The Tamarack River gives boat anglers a safe harbor off the main body of the lake is used to enter and exit the Lake. Across the Tamarack River to the west of Hwy 72 is Big Bog Recreation Area which offers visitors camping sites along with camping cabins one of which is accessible. Between the Recreation Area and the varies fishing piers found in the general vicinity the area offers anglers various opportunities to fish. The predominant fish caught here are walleye and northern with an occasional rough fish such as drum.
Description
This platform is located on the west side of Hwy 72 on the Tamarack River. Coming from the south it is immediately past Big Bog Recreation Area, first left once over the bridge traveling north on Hwy 72 (approximately 1 mile from Waskish, Mn). Once you have turned off the highway turn left towards the boat ramp. At the end of the parking area closest to the river is an accessible parking sign. This does not conform to any portion of the accessible parking regulations other than giving others an idea through the signage of what it is for. If it has been very dry this may work for you but if it has been wet do not turn towards the ramp, rather travel past the ramp and park in the area immediately past the ramp area. The platform can be reached across the lawn from this area. This area is like an overflow for cars with boat trailers to park. Users are cautioned there are no accessible routes to the platform. If you possess an ambulatory disability it would be best to send someone who is able to scout where the best place to park in relation to the platform and terrain you would have to cross would be before parking and unpacking.
Visitors will see a long platform running parallel to the river from which to fish. During the time of the evaluation there were two portable toilets on site but neither were accessible. One was larger but it did not have a 5 ft. turning radius. Across the Hwy 72 is a Park and in this park complex a vault toilet can be found which has greater accessibility. Visitors can also find a fish cleaning house and picnic area. The area is remote so cell phone service may be a problem for you. It has many visitors especially people using the boat ramps. Across Hwy 72 at the park is another fishing area as well as directly south and to east is Big Bog Recreational Area.
Location Info » For directions, click the marker in the map. »
From Waskish, Mn travel north along Hwy 72 past Big Bog Recreational Area then over the bridge going over the Tamarac River. Upon going over the bridge take the immediate left off the Hwy and then look to the left where you will see a boat ramp. Next to the ramp and to the west is the platform. The distance from Waskish north is approximately 1 mile.
Amenities
The larges big box stores are located in Bemidji, Mn with smaller items being able to be purchased within any of the smaller communities located in close proximity to the pier. Fishing equipment and bait can be purchased at Waskish (1 mile) or Kelliher (16 miles) south of the pier. If you travel north 41 miles to Baudette you can also food, fuel lodging and bait.
Lodging
For camping Big Bog Recreational Area offers both camping and camping cabins. Cabins can be found along the shoreline of Upper Red Lake at the many resorts situated there as well as motels at both Blackduck and Bemidji. A motel is also located along Hwy 72 where it turns north at Shooks, Mn. For people looking for accessible rooms please describe you needs to the person taking the reservation to insure they can be met.
