Little Sand Lake
About Little Sand Lake
Little Sand Lake is a 353-acre lake near Squaw Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and tullibee (cisco). Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Little Sand Lake
- 353 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Squaw Lake
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and tullibee (cisco)
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- 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
- 353 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 231 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)
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 20-24" must be immediately released. Only one over 24" allowed in possession.
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Sand Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rice Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund791 acres
1.7 miles away
Little Whitefish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund160 acres
2.3 miles away
Cedar Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund178 acres
2.5 miles away
Sand Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake3,579 acres
2.7 miles away
Rush Island Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon297 acres
3.5 miles away
Whitefish Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt564 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. It covers 353 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Sand Lake?
Little Sand Lake covers 353 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass 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?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Sand Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Little Sand Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Sand Lake?
Yes. All from 20-24" must be immediately released. Only one over 24" allowed in possession. Daily limit five.
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.