Sand Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. DNR lake ID 31082600.
Sand Lake is a 3,579-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. Its deepest point reaches 70 ft, and about 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31082600 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Squaw Lake |
| Surface area | 3,579 acres |
| Maximum depth | 70 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 53% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 17.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.7 ft, phosphorus 17.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sand Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Sand Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 6.4 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.07 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.73 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.33 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.6 | n/a |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 2.87 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.4 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.2 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.13 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.07 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2021), Walleye 21.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 19.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, 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: zebra mussel (listed 2013).
Public boat access
- Sand Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. 2.75 mi W of Spring Lake on Cnty Rd 4, then 4.5 mi S and W on Cnty Rd36, then 1 mi W on Cnty Rd 155, then N on access road to E shore Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bird's Eye Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Rush Island Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Cedar Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Portage Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Bass Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Little Sand Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Stone Axe Lake 3.1 mi, Itasca County
- Little Whitefish Lake 4.1 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Sand Lake
How deep is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake reaches a maximum depth of 70 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake covers about 3,579 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sand Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sand Lake averages 14.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Sand Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Sand Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Sand Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Sand Lake?
Sand Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sand Lake.
How is the walleye population on Sand Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2021, walleye numbers on Sand 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 Sand Lake?
Homes on 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 Sand Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sand Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 53% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sand Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sand Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sand Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), 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.