Sand

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Sand Lake was conducted over several days, beginning on June 21st, 2021 by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations, a 15-foot seine was used at five stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at three stations. Nearshore sampling captured 7 species of fish including one species that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e. Iowa Darter) and none that are tolerant of disturbance. The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 21st, 2021 standard survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g. Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g. Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Fathead Minnow). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Buffalo River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Sand (Stump) Lake is a 200-acre lake positioned on the county line between Becker and Clay County, five miles southwest of the city of Lake Park. The lake includes many small basins and is subject to extreme water level fluctuations. Sand Lake is very productive and possesses a relatively undeveloped shoreline. This lake maintains a robust fishery with angling opportunity for Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. A special regulation of five sunfish per day was implemented in March 2022. A standard fisheries survey was completed on Sand Lake in June 2021. Walleye abundance in 2021 was similar to past surveys, with gill nets catching an average of six Walleye per net. Sampled Walleye ranged in length from 8.4 to 25.7 inches, averaging 20.1 inches long. Walleye exhibited fast growth, reaching an average length of 18.5 inches by age four. Northern Pike abundance has historically been low in Sand Lake, but gill nets caught a record-high number of fish in 2021 (26 fish per net). Sampled pike ranged in length from 14.5 to 29.0 inches, averaging 21.0 inches long. Almost 13% of pike measured were 24 inches or longer. Bluegill abundance in 2021 was average, but lower than what was observed in 2015. In 2021, trap nets caught an average of eight Bluegill per net. Sampled Bluegill ranged in length from 2.9 to 9.9 inches, averaging 6.9 inches long. Bluegill grow fast in Sand Lake, averaging 8 inches by age four. Yellow Perch abundance in Sand Lake has varied in the last three surveys, ranging between five (2021) and 65 (2015) perch per gill net. Perch sampled in 2021 ranged in length from 5.0 to 7.9 inches, averaging 6.1 inches long. A total of 13 Black Crappie were caught in combined gears in 2021. Sampled cappie ranged in length from 3.9 to 11.9 inches. Similar to crappie, Largemouth Bass have not been abundant in sampling gear in Sand Lake. A total of three Largemouth Bass were caught in 2021 ranging in size from six to 17 inches long. Additional species sampled in the 2021 survey included Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, and White Sucker. Brown Bullhead were the dominant bullhead species caught and the remainder of sampled species were relatively low in catch. Anglers can help maintain and improve Sand Lake's fishery by practicing selective harvest and releasing larger fish, as well as taking precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

A Targeted Survey was completed on Sand Lake on July 2, 2018 to assess the near-shore fish community. This data will be analyzed in conjunction with the Standard Survey that was completed in 2015 to evaluate the biological condition of Sand Lake, and contribute to the assessment of the watershed. Ten sites within Sand Lake were sampled during this survey, using a backpack electrofishing unit and seines. The fish community sampled during this assessment was not diverse, dominated by Fathead Minnows and young of the year Yellow Perch. Few Largemouth Bass, also young of the year, were sampled. Other species sampled included Iowa Darter, White Sucker, Central Mudminnow, and Brook Stickleback. No Bluegills or other sunfish species were observed. No species intolerant of poor habitat conditions were found. The results of this survey suggest that the fish population in Sand Lake does not meet expectations for lakes of similar characteristics, suggesting that this lake is biologically impaired.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Green Sunfish in Sand. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Sand. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Sand has a maximum depth of 28 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sand is from 2021.

No invasive species are on record for Sand in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.