Red Sand

The southern tip of Red Sand Lake lies within the city limits of Baxter, MN. Red Sand has been known to at least partially winterkill on regular basis, the last time being during the winter of 2013-2014. This is often followed by a year or two of poor fishing, while the fish that remain tend to grow at an increased rate. Within 3 to 4 years (if the lake hasn't winterkilled again), there are usually a fair amount of fish that are of catchable size. That is where Red Sand is currently at now. Unfortunately, another side effect of winterkill is that the hardier species tend to do much better; in this case that is black bullheads and they have taken over in high numbers (110.6/trap net). All sizes were found, ranging from 4.2" to 11.8". Three species that have rebounded are northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Northern pike were caught in average numbers for this type of lake (5.0/gill net), with an average length of 21.3". Not many large fish existed, with only 10% measuring 24" or larger and only two fish over 26". Bluegill numbers were also average at 4.3/trap net. Size was decent, with an average length of 7.4". Largemouth bass were sampled by electrofishing on the night of June 5th, 2017, resulting in a catch rate of 40.6/hr. Mean length was 11.3" and 45% were 12" or larger. Although walleye fry are stocked occasionally, no walleye were captured in the 2017 netting. Seven walleyes were observed and netted during bass electrofishing, with lengths ranging from 15.7"-18.7". Though they are present in the lake, no black crappie were sampled, suggesting that the previous winterkill took more of a toll on them than other species.

One gillnet was set on Red Sand Lake on 05 July 2016 to assess for winterkill and determine the success of walleye fry stocking in recent years, particularly after stocking 3.2 million fry in 2014. Walleye fry are stocked after winterkill events. Two walleyes were sampled, with an average length of 13.9". Fourteen northern pike were sampled, with an average length of 21.7". Northern pike at least 24" in length made up 50% of the catch. Yellow perch were sampled at a rate of 63.0/gill net. Average length was 6.3". Black bullheads were observed in high numbers in shallower water, with 25 being sampled in the gill net. Average length was 8.6".

Three 3/8" trap nets were set on May 5, 2014 and lifted May 6, 2014 to assess winterkill in Red Sand Lake. A total of 10 northern pike were sampled, ranging from 16"-28". One 5" yellow perch was captured. Forty black bullheads ranging from about 4"-12" were also sampled.

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

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

Red Sand has a maximum depth of 23 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Red Sand is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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