UPPER RED LAKE · PLAN YOUR STAY

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Arrive ready to fish. Find answers about your house, check-in, lake access, and what to pack for your Upper Red Lake trip.

TEXT THAD WITH A QUESTION

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

PLAN YOUR GETAWAY.

  1. Call or text Thad with the number of people in your group.
  2. Confirm available dates with Thad.
  3. Pay your deposit to hold your reservation.
  4. Review the FAQs and packing list before arrival.
VIEW RATES

ARRIVAL & LAKE ACCESS

We operate on Upper Red Lake out of JR’s Corner Access.

JR’s Corner Access
48847 Sunflower Rd NE
Kelliher, MN 56650

All guests must check in at JR’s Corner Access upon arrival to purchase a road pass. The Roads are managed by JRs Corner Access.

  • Check-in: 1:00 PM or later (before dark)

  • Check-out: 9:00 AM

If you are running early or late, please contact us with your estimated time of arrival (ETA). Early arrivals may need to wait if houses are being cleaned or moved.

Yes. All guests must check in at JR’s Corner Access to purchase a road pass before accessing the lake.

Please note that road pass fees are not included in our rates and are set by JR’s Corner Access.

We will do our best to accommodate early arrivals; however, it is very unlikely we will be able to welcome you before 1PM, simply because the houses are often being cleaned or moved prior to the 1:00 PM check-in time. Said simpler, early arrivals may need to wait…you could grab a burger and drink at JR’s Corner Access or scroll our socials while you wait.

Very important. Please contact us with your ETA while traveling so we can be prepared to assist you upon arrival, but please do not feel the need to provide on-going updates, only let us know if your ETA changes.

YOUR HOUSE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

Each house includes:

  • Heat

  • Beds

  • Stove and oven

  • Microwave

  • Gassed up Generator

  • Dish Network satellite TV (157 channels)

  • Bathroom stool 

Coffee makers and toasters are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own, as well as any crock pots, air fryers, etc…

Yes we do! We have a limited number of Vexilars and Mega Lives for rent.

  • The Vexilars are $25 per day.
  • The Mega Lives are $100 per day.

Each require a minimum of 2 days. 

No. There is no running water in the ice houses.
Each house is equipped with a bathroom stool. (Check “What to bring” section for more information)

Rattle reels are provided in each house. 

We also have limited number of Vexilars and Mega Lives available for rent.

If you need gear, please contact us prior to arrival to confirm availability. 507-360-6405

No. All food and beverages must be brought with you. We do not provide meals, snacks, or beverages.

Guests are welcome to use the hot showers at JR’s Corner Access, along with their fish cleaning area, bait shop, and bar & grill. 

BOOKING & FISHING

No. 

Fishing licenses are not sold or available on-site.
A valid Minnesota fishing license must be purchased prior to arrival.

Licenses can be purchased online through the MN DNR:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html

  • Deposits are non-refundable

  • Full payment is due if you cancel, unless the house is successfully rebooked

  • No refunds for early check-outs

  • Two-night minimum stay required (any two consecutive nights)

In certain situations, we may consider transferring your deposit to a future reservation. Please contact us directly to discuss options.

Yes. Upper Red Lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide rules and take precedence.

Guests are responsible for reviewing and following current MN DNR regulations:

Please contact our team directly prior to arrival with any questions about gear, arrival times, or your stay. We’re happy to help ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable. 507-360-6405.

No experience is necessary, but please let us know, and we are more than happy to show you what works, help you rig your gear, and teach techniques to get you started.

Here is an example of the help we can provide, demonstration on how to fish effectively with the Rattle Reels. Click Here.

We also offer fishing electronics, which can dramatically increase the number of fish you catch, as well as are quite enjoyable to use.

We stay on the ice to remain close to our guests and check in at a minimum each morning and evening.

You will also have our phone number available in the house should you need assistance at any time.

BEFORE YOU HEAD NORTH

YOUR PACKING LIST.

🧊 Ice Castle Rental – Guest Packing List

To help you have a comfortable and stress-free stay, please review the list below, this will help you plan ahead. The nearest store may be an hour or more away.

🎣 Fishing License

🛏️ Sleeping & Personal Items

  • Bedding, blankets, or sleeping bags

  • Pillows

  • Toiletries:

    • Toilet paper (recommend wet wipes)

    • Paper towels

    • Disinfecting wipes / Hand Sanitizer

    • Air freshener is also usually appreciated by others in your group

🎣 Fishing Gear

  • Your favorite fishing chair

  • Ice fishing rods

  • Electronics/flashers

  • Tackle and bait

  • Filet knives

  • Rattle reels are provided in each house

  • Limited gear may be available for rent

    • Please contact us prior to arrival to confirm availability (Mega Live Helix 8, other gear and electronics)

🧥 Clothing

  • Warm winter clothing:

    • Jackets

    • Sweatshirts

    • Snow pants

    • Insulated boots / with Ice Cleats

    • Hats & mittens

  • Comfortable indoor/loungewear

🍳 Kitchen & Cooking Supplies

Bring any cooking equipment you plan to use, such as:

  • Pots, pans, crockpot, toaster, coffee maker

  • Baking pans (small size)

  • Cutting boards & knives

Disposable items:

  • Paper plates

  • Paper towels

  • Napkins

  • Plastic cups / utensils

Condiments & seasonings:

  • Salt & pepper

  • Cooking oil

  • Shore Lunch / Catch & Cook / Panko

  • Tartar sauce, Ketchup, etc.

🔌 Appliances (Optional)

None of these are provided, but guests are very welcome to bring and use their own.

  • Coffee maker 

  • Crockpot

  • Toaster 

🥩 Food & Beverages

  • All food and beverages must be brought with you

  • Please plan ahead — shopping options may be limited and far away

Many guests prep meals ahead of time and use the oven, stove or microwave to re-heat.

Examples: breakfast burritos, frozen pizzas, soup or stew, mac n cheese, cookie dough, hot dish, etc…Also, fresh walleye is mighty tasty on the ice. 

We also see guests pack sandwiches and a box lunch type meal.

JR’s also provides a Bar & Grill, with hamburgers, fries, chicken tenders, and will even cook up your fresh caught fish!

🎲 Miscellaneous

  • Cell phones & chargers

  • Cameras

  • Games, cards, movies, or other entertainment

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Each house has a bathroom stool

  • No running water in the ice houses

✅ What Is Provided in Each Ice House

  • Heat
  • Beds
  • Bathroom stool
  • Stove, oven and microwave
  • Generator (we fill and monitor it daily)
  • Dish Network satellite TV (157 channels)

Note: Coffee makers and toasters are not provided, but guests may bring their own.

🚿 Guest Amenities at JR’s Corner Access

As our guests, you’re welcome to use:

  • Hot showers

  • Fish cleaning area

  • Bait & an assortment of tackle 

  • Bar & grill

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

We’re happy to help you prepare. Call or text Thad at (507) 360-6405 before your trip.

TEXT THAD · (507) 360-6405
CALL (507) 360-6405