Little Sand Lake

How big is Little Sand Lake?

How deep is Little Sand Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Little Sand Lake?

What are the closest cities to Little Sand Lake?

Are there boat launches on Little Sand Lake?

Little Sand Lake area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Little Sand Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Little Sand Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Little Sand Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Little Sand Lake?

Little Sand Lake is located approximately six miles northeast of Squaw Lake, MN, and within the Big Fork River Watershed. The 361 acre lake of which 231 acres is less than 15 feet deep, a 19 foot maximum depth and is moderately developed along the 3.6 mile shoreline. A state owned public access is located just north of Little Sand Lake on the Bowstring River, which flows north to Rice Lake. There are two inlets to Little Sand: the Bowstring River from Sand Lake and Stone Axe Creek. Water clarity has ranged from 3.9 - 11.5 feet. Neighboring Sand Lake currently has special regulations for Walleye and Northern Pike and Little Sand Lake is included in those regulations. Current regulations require: 1) Northern Pike between 22"-36" to be released with one over 36" allowed, a possession limit of nine and 2) Walleye between 17"-26" to be released with one over 26" allowed, a possession limit of six.

The 2002 Lake Management Plan (LMP) lists Walleye and Yellow Perch as primary management species and Northern Pike and Black Crappie as secondary species. The LMP goals were to: maintain the Walleye gill net catch rate above 3.0 fish/net; maintain the Yellow Perch gill net catch near 21.5 fish/net; maintain the Northern Pike gill net catch near 4.8 fish/net and maintain the Black Crappie catch for gill nets or trap nets near 2.0 fish/net.

A standard survey was conducted in June of 2016 to assess the status and characteristics of the fish community using six gill nets and nine trap nets.

Little Sand Lake has a Walleye population maintained by natural reproduction and/or immigration. Walleye are not stocked in Little Sand Lake, but are regularly stocked in adjacent Sand Lake.
Walleye were captured at a rate of 1.7/gill net, which is within the typical range for lakes with similar habitat, but was the lowest recorded in any survey. Walleye gill net catch rates had been at or above the management goal of 3.0/net in five of six previous surveys. A total of ten Walleye were captured in gill nets, ranging in length from 6.7 - 18.7 inches, with a mean weight of 1.0 pounds. Walleye growth was below the statewide average with an average length of 13.8 inches at age-4. Six age classes were represented in the sample.

The Yellow Perch gill net catch rate decreased from 15.7/net in 1999 to 7.8/net, which is within the typical range for similar lakes, but is the lowest recorded catch rate. Management goals were not met. Yellow Perch gill net catch rates in previous surveys ranged from 15.7 - 33.6/net. Yellow Perch from gill nets ranged in length from 5.2 - 10.0 inches and averaged 7.3 inches. Six consecutive age classes were represented in the sample and growth rates were similar to the statewide average with an average length of 7.0 inches at age-4.

The Northern Pike catch rate increased from 3.8/gill net in 1999 to 6.0/gill net but was within the typical range for similar lakes and meeting management goals. Northern Pike ranged in length from 11.4 - 32.5 inches and averaged 18.3 inches. Little Sand has the potential to produce larger Northern Pike as fish over 28 inches have been sampled in every survey. Five age classes were represented in the sample; however, 81% were age-2 or age-3. Growth was near the statewide average with an average length of 16.5 inches at age-3.

A total of three Black Crappie were captured in gill nets for a catch rate of 0.5/net. None were sampled in trap nets and the management goal was not met. Black Crappie are difficult to sample during the summer due to their habit of suspending above the gill nets. A special survey targeting Black Crappie and Bluegill was conducted two weeks prior to the standard survey. Results of that survey are contained in a separate report.

One Bluegill was sampled in a gill net, and none in trap nets. Bluegill trap net catch rates have been below the typical range for similar lakes in all surveys. The targeted survey indicated a low density, fast growing Bluegill population.

Other species sampled included: Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Tullibee, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

Zebra mussels are present in Little Sand Lake. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

What is the average air temp for Little Sand Lake?

Are there any state parks near Little Sand Lake?