Sand Lake
About Sand Lake
Sand Lake is a 3,579-acre lake near Squaw Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 70 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 15.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. 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 zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 26, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Sand Lake
- 3,579 acres, up to 70 feet deep, near Squaw Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.9 feet
- Listed as infested with 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
- 3,579 acres
- Max depth
- 70 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,897 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 26
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- April 6, 2021
- Latest
- May 10, 2008
- Most recent
- May 6, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sand Lake
Compare Sand Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Sand Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Sand Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Sand Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Sand Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Rush Island Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon297 acres
2.5 miles away
Portage Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Inger715 acres
2.6 miles away
Cedar Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund178 acres
2.6 miles away
Little Sand Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake353 acres
2.7 miles away
Little Whitefish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund160 acres
4.1 miles away
Rice Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund791 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. It covers 3,579 acres and reaches 70 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake covers 3,579 acres with about 15.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 70 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sand Lake?
Yes. 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 Sand Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Sand Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sand Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sand Lake?
Yes. All from 20-24" must be immediately released. Only one over 24" allowed in possession. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Sand Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 26, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2021 and the latest is May 10, 2008.
Does Sand Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists 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.