Little Sand Lake
About Little Sand Lake
Little Sand Lake is a 410-acre lake near Dorset in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 22 feet, and has roughly 6.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.9 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 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 18, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Sand Lake
- 410 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Dorset
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.9 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 410 acres
- Max depth
- 80 ft
- Average depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 149 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 (gravel or earth)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- 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
- April 18
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- April 2, 2010
- Latest
- May 6, 2008
- Most recent
- April 23, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Sand Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Boulder Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset341 acres
1.6 miles away
Big Sand Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset1,639 acres
1.8 miles away
Emma Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset78 acres
2 miles away
Ojibway Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Deer Lane184 acres
2.5 miles away
Lower Bottle Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset641 acres
2.7 miles away
Dead Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset131 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. It covers 410 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake covers 410 acres with about 6.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet and its average depth is about 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Sand Lake?
Yes. Little Sand Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Sand Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Little Sand Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Sand Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Little Sand Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2010 and the latest is May 6, 2008.
Does Little Sand Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little 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.