Sandy Lake
About Sandy Lake
Sandy Lake is a 261-acre lake near Tenstrike in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Sandy Lake
- 261 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Tenstrike
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 9.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 261 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 200 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sandy Lake
Compare Sandy Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Jackson Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Nebish128 acres
1.1 miles away
Medicine Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Tenstrike461 acres
3.2 miles away
Gull Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Tenstrike2,256 acres
3.6 miles away
Larson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky203 acres
4.6 miles away
Black Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River271 acres
4.7 miles away
Lake Julia
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky511 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Tenstrike. It covers 261 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake covers 261 acres with about 2.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sandy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sandy Lake?
Yes. Sandy Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sandy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Sandy Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sandy Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.