Red Sand Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. DNR lake ID 18038600.
Red Sand Lake is a 521.4-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. Its deepest point reaches 23 ft, and about 96% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.7 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.
Buying or selling on Red Sand Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on Red Sand LakeWhat’s my Red Sand Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18038600 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Brainerd |
| Surface area | 521.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 23 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 96% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 23.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 9.7 ft, phosphorus 23.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Red Sand Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Red Sand Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 5.0 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 3.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.0 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Bluegill | trap | 4.33 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.11 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2017), Northern pike 30.0 in (2017), Walleye 18.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, 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
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
- Red Sand Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 2 miles North of Brainerd on Hwy. 371, then 1.25 miles West on Co Rd 77, then 0.25 mile South. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Whipple Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- White Sand Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Stephens Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
- Perch Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Wise Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Hartley Lake 3.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Dade Lake 3.8 mi, Cass County
Questions about Red Sand Lake
How deep is Red Sand Lake?
Red Sand Lake reaches a maximum depth of 23 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 96% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Red Sand Lake?
Red Sand Lake covers about 521.4 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Red Sand Lake?
Summer water clarity on Red Sand Lake averages 9.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Red Sand Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Red Sand 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 Red Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, white sucker in Red Sand Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Red Sand Lake?
Red Sand Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Red Sand Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Red Sand Lake?
Homes on Red Sand 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 Red Sand Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Red Sand Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 96% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Red Sand Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Red Sand Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Red Sand Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.