Big Sand Lake
About Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake is a 1,639-acre lake near Dorset in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 135 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 20.9 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 26, based on 21 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Sand Lake
- 1,639 acres, up to 135 feet deep, near Dorset
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 20.9 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,639 acres
- Max depth
- 135 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 20.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 465 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 16
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 26
- Years of record
- 21
- Earliest
- April 14, 2015
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- May 7, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Sand Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Emma Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset78 acres
1.6 miles away
Little Sand Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset410 acres
1.8 miles away
Blue Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids336 acres
2.1 miles away
Lower Bottle Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset641 acres
2.2 miles away
Pickerel Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids310 acres
2.9 miles away
Boulder Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset341 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Sand Lake?
Big Sand Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. It covers 1,639 acres and reaches 135 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Sand Lake?
Big Sand Lake covers 1,639 acres with about 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 135 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Big Sand Lake?
Yes. Big Sand Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Sand Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big 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 Big Sand Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big Sand Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Big Sand Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 26, from 21 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 14, 2015 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does Big Sand Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Sand Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.