Big Sandy Lake
About Big Sandy Lake
Big Sandy Lake is a 6,125-acre reservoir near McGregor in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 84 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 21 feet, and has roughly 57 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Aitkin County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, and township. Sandy Lake-COE is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 131 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Sandy Lake
- 6,125 acres, up to 84 feet deep, near McGregor
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Sandy Lake-COE
- Listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 6,125 acres
- Max depth
- 84 ft
- Average depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 57 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,327 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Sandy Lake-COE
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 21
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: All less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 131
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 21, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Sandy Lake-COE is mapped on or near Big Sandy Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Sandy Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Minnewawa Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor2,351 acres
3.3 miles away
Glacier Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Balsam135 acres
3.5 miles away
Aitkin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Libby659 acres
3.6 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Tamarack240 acres
3.9 miles away
Island Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Tamarack244 acres
4.1 miles away
Rat Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade431 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Sandy Lake?
Big Sandy Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near McGregor. It covers 6,125 acres and reaches 84 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Sandy Lake?
Big Sandy Lake covers 6,125 acres with about 57 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 84 feet and its average depth is about 21 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Sandy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Sandy Lake?
Yes. Big Sandy Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Sandy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Sandy Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Big Sandy Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big Sandy Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Sandy Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. All less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Big Sandy Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 131 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Can you camp at Big Sandy Lake?
Yes. Sandy Lake-COE is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Big Sandy Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Sandy Lake as infested with flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.