Coon-Sandwick Lake
About Coon-Sandwick Lake
Coon-Sandwick Lake is a 594-acre lake near Bigfork in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Scenic State Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Coon-Sandwick Lake
- 594 acres, up to 36 feet deep, near Bigfork
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 12.5 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Scenic State Park
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 594 acres
- Max depth
- 36 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 504 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Scenic State Park
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Scenic State Park is mapped on or near Coon-Sandwick Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Coon-Sandwick Lake
Compare Coon-Sandwick Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Coon-Sandwick Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Coon-Sandwick Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Coon-Sandwick Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Coon-Sandwick Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Coon-Sandwick Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Connors Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork142 acres
5.5 miles away
Batson Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell114 acres
5.5 miles away
Slauson Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell106 acres
5.7 miles away
Anderson Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork295 acres
5.9 miles away
Brush Shanty Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork149 acres
6.4 miles away
East Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell192 acres
6.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Coon-Sandwick Lake?
Coon-Sandwick Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. It covers 594 acres and reaches 36 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Coon-Sandwick Lake?
Coon-Sandwick Lake covers 594 acres with about 9.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 36 feet.
What fish can you catch at Coon-Sandwick Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Coon-Sandwick Lake?
Yes. Coon-Sandwick Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Coon-Sandwick Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Coon-Sandwick 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 Coon-Sandwick Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Coon-Sandwick Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Coon-Sandwick Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Can you camp at Coon-Sandwick Lake?
Yes. Scenic State Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Coon-Sandwick Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Coon-Sandwick Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.