Big Sandy Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near McGregor. DNR lake ID 01006200.
Big Sandy Lake is a 6,125-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near McGregor. Its deepest point reaches 84 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 4.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for flowering rush. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01006200 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near McGregor |
| Surface area | 6,125 acres |
| Maximum depth | 84 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 4.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 33.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 13.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | flowering rush |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 4.3 ft, phosphorus 33.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 13.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Sandy Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Big Sandy Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 5.71 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.21 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.3 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 9.29 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.1 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.79 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.95 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.07 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.95 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 7.29 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.9 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.43 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.8 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
| Burbot | gill | 0.07 | 0.1 to 0.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 16.0 in (2022), Northern pike 37.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2016), Smallmouth bass 15.0 in (2021), Muskellunge 37.0 in (2013).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Silver redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: flowering rush (listed 2009).
Public boat access
- Big Sandy Lake (E): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. From McGregor 7 miles N on State Hwy 65, then 5 miles NE on Co Hwy 14. Directions
- Big Sandy Lake (S Central): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. From State Hwy 65 west of Sheshebee take CR 14 east for 2.1 miles to 202nd Pl. Follow 202nd Pl north for 0.8 miles to 498th Ln. Follow 498th Ln west for 0.5 miles to the access. Directions
- Sandy River, Hwy 65: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 8 miles N of McGregor on Hwy 65. Directions
- Big Sandy Lake (N): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. Just N & E of Libby on the S bank of the Sandy River and NW shore of Big Sandy Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Anderson Lake 2.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Brown Lake 2.9 mi, Aitkin County
- Sandy River 3.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Minnewawa Lake 3.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Glacier Lake 3.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Aitkin Lake 3.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Horseshoe Lake 3.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Island Lake 4.1 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Big Sandy Lake
How deep is Big Sandy Lake?
Big Sandy Lake reaches a maximum depth of 84 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Sandy Lake?
Big Sandy Lake covers about 6,125 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Sandy Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Sandy Lake averages 4.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Big Sandy Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big Sandy Lake for flowering rush.
What fish are in Big Sandy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Big Sandy Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Big Sandy Lake?
Big Sandy Lake has 4 public water access sites on DNR record: Big Sandy Lake (E); Big Sandy Lake (S Central); Sandy River, Hwy 65; Big Sandy Lake (N).
How is the walleye population on Big Sandy Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2010 to 2022, walleye numbers on Big Sandy Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big Sandy Lake?
Homes on Big Sandy Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Big Sandy Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Sandy Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 4.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Sandy Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Sandy Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Sandy Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.