Sand Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56094200.
Sand Lake is a 151.8-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 29 ft, and about 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 4.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
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 | 56094200 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 151.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 29 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 65% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 4.1 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 38.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 14.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 4.1 ft, phosphorus 38.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 14.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sand Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Sand Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2004 (22 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 | 3.5 | 0.8 to 3.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.0 | 2.0 to 10.8 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.67 | 2.0 to 22.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.67 | 1.7 to 17.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 18.0 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2004), Northern pike 35.0 in (2004).
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Lizzie Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tamarac Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie (north portion) Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Prairie Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fish Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Bass Lake 3.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Franklin Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pete Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Sand Lake
How deep is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake reaches a maximum depth of 29 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake covers about 151.8 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sand Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sand Lake averages 4.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Sand Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
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.
How is the walleye population on Sand Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2004, 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?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 65% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 4.1 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 Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2004), 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.