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We want to see what you've caught on Sanborn Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Sanborn Lake, MN
- How big is Sanborn Lake?
- How deep is Sanborn Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Sanborn Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Sanborn Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Sanborn Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Sanborn Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Sanborn Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Sanborn Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Sanborn Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Sanborn Lake?
How big is Sanborn Lake?
How deep is Sanborn Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Sanborn Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Greater Redhorse, Hybrid Sunfish, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Sanborn Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Sanborn Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Sanborn Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Sanborn Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Sanborn Lake?
Explore the Sanborn Lake area in a RV
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History & Status of the Fishery
Sanborn Lake is a 220 acre lake located near Backus, Minnesota that has 2.46 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 48 feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has classified Minnesota lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Sanborn Lake is in Lake Class 31; lakes in this class are generally clear, productive, and with moderate depths. Nearby lakes in the same lake class are Child, Five Point, and Widow. In 1997, an experimental regulation reduced the sunfish possession limit to 10 fish. The objective of this regulation was to improve the size structure of the population and increase the number of bluegills 8 inches or greater. There is a state owned public access on the north shore.
Sanborn Lake offers opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of species. The lake has historically been known for its bass and panfish along with good numbers of Northern Pike. Sampling specifically targeting Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass has not been performed in recent years but a few were caught using standard sampling gear during the 2013 survey. The average length of the black crappie caught was 11 inches and sizes ranged from 5 to 13 inches long. Northern Pike numbers have increased from the previous year's sampling but the average length has decreased to just over 17 inches. Bluegill numbers are currently below long-range management goals but the average length of Bluegill in Sanborn Lake has steadily increased since the reduced possession limit regulation was implemented in 1997. Average length of bluegill caught in the 2013 sample was 7 inches with fish up to 10 inches being caught. Walleye numbers have remained low despite repeated stockings. Gill net catch rates of Walleye were below the management goals and average range for similar lakes in this class, but will provide anglers an occasional catch and harvest opportunity. Yellow perch numbers are below management goals and are slightly above the average catch rate for similar lakes in the area. The average length of walleye (18 inches) and yellow perch (8 inches) have been consistent throughout the survey history.
Other fish that are available for anglers to catch include; Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.
People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Harvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Currently there are no aquatic invasive species (AIS) that have been identified in Sanborn Lake. AIS are moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Walker Area Fisheries office.
What is the average air temp for Sanborn Lake?
Are there any state parks near Sanborn Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Sanborn Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Fawn Lake | 0.5 mi | 46 | 29 ft |
Johnson Lake | 0.7 mi | 90 | 55 ft |
Rainy Lake | 0.9 mi | 129 | 29 ft |
Lind Lake | 1.3 mi | 440 | 27 ft |
Brockway Lake | 1.4 mi | 180 | 17 ft |
Bass Lake | 1.6 mi | 93 | 28 ft |
Horseshoe Lake | 1.7 mi | 260 | 51 ft |
Big Portage Lake | 2.3 mi | 902 | 23 ft |
Bowen Lake | 2.3 mi | 182 | 25 ft |
Ox Yoke Lake | 2.7 mi | 187 | 42 ft |