Hunting & Fishing
Fishing
The north-flowing Red River of the North is known internationally for its trophy-sized channel catfish. The average size of catfish increases as one moves downstream, and the northern portion of the Red is considered one of the best catfish spots in the nation, consistently producing whoppers up to 30 lbs.
The Red River fishery is also home to an abundant variety of high-quality fish, including northern pike, sauger, walleye, smallmouth bass, and carp, many of them trophy size. Carp have been attracting European and Australian anglers to the Red River recently. You may encounter folks who have traveled across the country or across the world to fish the beautiful Red River of the North!
Did you know? Red River of the North came in at No. 4 on fishing equipment company Abu Garcia's list of 100 Best Places to Fish in the U.S.
Click to read the story. Their judges said "...the area between Fargo, N.D. and the Canadian border is paradise for those who like to catch channel catfish, walleye or even musky. This stretch of the river has plenty of them all, as well as some smallmouth bass, pike and even sturgeon."
Where to Fish
Hastings Landing Recreation Area (downtown)
Located on east Grant Avenue, downtown Drayton, there’s easy access to groceries, frozen bait, hardware and supplies, banking/ATM, on- and off-sale liquor, and dining.
- Concrete ramp
- Large concrete parking and loading area, plus concrete walk along riverbank
- Concrete drive leading all the way from street level
- Fishing platform
- Docking platform
- Fish cleaning station with disposer and running water (located up top in Heritage Square)
Drayton Dam Recreation Area (two miles north on Old Highway 44, then east one mile)
- Concrete boat ramp
- Parking
- Outhouses (top of hill)
- Primitive fish cleaning station (top of hill)
North Dakota and Minnesota have some of the best hunting spots in the country. The Drayton area boasts prime white-tailed deer, coyote, goose, duck, fox, mourning dove, rabbit and gopher hunting. Hunters will enjoy our beautiful wide open, uncrowded spaces!
If it’s elk, moose, bear, wild turkey, sharp tailed or ruffed grouse, or partridge you’re after, a short drive from Drayton will get you to the action! The beautiful Pembina Gorge is teeming with big game, and Northwest Minnesota’s woods provide excellent upland and big game hunting.