Sandy Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Tenstrike. DNR lake ID 04012400.
Sandy Lake is a 261.3-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Tenstrike. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 77% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04012400 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Tenstrike |
| Surface area | 261.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 77% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 22.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 1.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.7 ft, phosphorus 22.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 1.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sandy Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Sandy Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 0.17 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.33 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.17 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.22 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.0 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.33 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.0 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 21.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2019), Northern pike 31.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, 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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Sandy Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 9 miles north of Turtle River, off County Road 203 on Hagali Township Road, on the north shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 0.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Jackson Lake 1.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Upper Lindgren Lake 2.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Lindgren Lake 2.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Silver Lake 2.5 mi, Beltrami County
- White Fish Lake 2.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Medicine Lake 3.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Gull Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Sandy Lake
How deep is Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 77% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake covers about 261.3 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sandy Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sandy Lake averages 13.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Sandy Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Sandy Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Sandy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, brown bullhead, black bullhead in Sandy Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sandy Lake.
How is the walleye population on Sandy Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2019, walleye numbers on 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 Sandy Lake?
Homes on 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 Sandy Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sandy Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 77% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sandy Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sandy Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sandy Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), 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.