Sand Lake
About Sand Lake
Sand Lake is a 149-acre lake near Hackensack in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 54 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface). Ice typically goes out around May 2, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Sand Lake
- 149 acres, up to 54 feet deep, near Hackensack
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 16 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 149 acres
- Max depth
- 54 ft
- Shoreline
- 2 mi
- Water clarity
- 16 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 53 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 (asphalt)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 2
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- April 6, 2021
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- May 2, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sand Lake
Compare Sand Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Sand Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Sand Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville41 acres
0.5 miles away
Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville184 acres
0.9 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack246 acres
1.2 miles away
Widow Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville198 acres
1.3 miles away
Blackwater Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville771 acres
1.7 miles away
Ponto Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus388 acres
2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. It covers 149 acres and reaches 54 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake covers 149 acres with about 2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 54 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sand Lake?
Yes. Sand Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sand Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sand 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 Sand Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sand Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Sand Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 2, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2021 and the latest is May 10, 2013.