White Sand Lake
About White Sand Lake
White Sand Lake is a 415-acre lake near Baxter in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 27 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 52 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to White Sand Lake
- 415 acres, up to 27 feet deep, near Baxter
- 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 10.8 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 415 acres
- Max depth
- 27 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 256 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 52
- Earliest
- March 6, 2024
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 5, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to White Sand Lake
Compare White Sand Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Perch Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter266 acres
1.3 miles away
Whipple Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter301 acres
1.4 miles away
Red Sand Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd521 acres
1.5 miles away
Wise Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Legionville135 acres
3.9 miles away
Hardy Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Brainerd105 acres
4.3 miles away
Dade Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake99 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is White Sand Lake?
White Sand Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Baxter. It covers 415 acres and reaches 27 feet deep.
How big and how deep is White Sand Lake?
White Sand Lake covers 415 acres with about 3.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 27 feet.
What fish can you catch at White Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 White Sand Lake?
Yes. White Sand Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at White Sand Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at White 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 White Sand Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for White Sand Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on White Sand Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 52 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 6, 2024 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does White Sand Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists White Sand Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.