Sand

Sand Lake has a strong track record for producing quality Bluegill and Black Crappie, which are a couple of the main fish species managers focus on. Since 2022, Bluegill have been managed under a special 5-fish daily limit to help maintain good size structure and keep quality fish in the lake. The goal from the lake management plan is to provide consistent opportunities to catch solid, keeper-sized Bluegill, including fish over 10 inches. Black Crappie are managed under standard statewide rules, with a goal of maintaining a modest number of memorable-sized crappies over 12 inches. The 2025 survey was one of four spring surveys, but the first check of Bluegill since the new regulation went into effect. During spring trap netting, crews sampled 277 Bluegill, which is similar to what was found in the last targeted survey in 2016. Bluegill ranged from just under 3 inches up to 9.8 inches, with an average length of 7.7 inches. The size breakdown shows a healthy number of fish in the 6 to 8 inch range and a good portion over 8 inches. However, this was the first spring survey where no Bluegill over 10 inches were captured, meaning the lake only partially met the management goal for larger fish. Even so, the overall size structure remained quality and comparable to past surveys. Male and female Bluegill were present in about equal numbers, indicating fish were beginning to mobilize in preparation for spawning during the survey. Both sexes showed similar size patterns. Bluegill began to mature at 4 inches. Ages ranged from 2 to 9 years old, with most fish between ages 4 and 7. Growth was average early in life but exceeded lake averages by age 3. Bluegill typically reached 8 inches (considered quality size) by age 7. Black Crappie were caught at a lower rate than in the previous targeted survey. Only a few were captured, and the lower catch rate was likely influenced more by survey timing than by actual numbers. The fish that were sampled averaged 10.6 inches, suggesting anglers can still expect to find quality-sized crappies in the lake. Other fish species observed during the survey included Brown and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin, Golden Redhorse, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Walleye, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch. Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles were also noted. Overall, Sand Lake continues to offer solid panfishing opportunities, especially for anglers targeting keeper-sized Bluegill and Black Crappie.

Two nights of electrofishing were conducted on 5/14 and 5/21/2025. The purpose of this effort was exploratory Black Crappie sampling and to collect data for statewide research project if adequate samples are achieved. Additionally, fish were collected for VHS screening on the first evening. This survey should be archived for future reference but not publicly viewable. 5/14/2025 - Sampled southern portion of Sand (e.g. SW Bay - Bowstring R. outlet, Bird Island outlet, the Straights, and Casper Bay). Ten BLC were sampled and ranged from 236 to 329 mm. All BLC were collected near the outlet of Bird Island Lake. Lots of Walleye observed with a wide range of sizes (like YRL up to mid-20-inch range). Most VHS fish collected were small NOP. 5/21/2025 - Sampled northern portion of Sand (targeted islands and points). No BLC sampled. Lots of Walleye observed with a wide range of sizes (like YRL up to mid-20-inch range). Water temperature was 56 F.

Two nights of electrofishing were conducted on 5/14 and 5/21/2025. The purpose of this effort was exploratory Black Crappie sampling and to collect data for statewide research project if adequate samples are achieved. Additionally, fish were collected for VHS screening on the first evening. This survey should be archived for future reference but not publicly viewable. 5/14/2025 - Sampled southern portion of Sand (e.g. SW Bay - Bowstring R. outlet, Bird Island outlet, the Straights, and Casper Bay). Ten BLC were sampled and ranged from 236 to 329 mm. All BLC were collected near the outlet of Bird Island Lake. Lots of Walleye observed with a wide range of sizes (like YRL up to mid-20-inch range). Most VHS fish collected were small NOP. 5/21/2025 - Sampled northern portion of Sand (targeted islands and points). No BLC sampled. Lots of Walleye observed with a wide range of sizes (like YRL up to mid-20-inch range). Water temperature was 56 F.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass in Sand. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Sand. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Sand has a maximum depth of 70 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sand is from 2025.

Yes — Sand has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 2 special rules for Sand, covering walleye and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.