Sand

Sand Lake is 124-acres in size and is located in the northwestern part of Otter Tail County. It is located approximately five miles north of Pelican Rapids, MN. The immediate watershed is composed of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Sand Lake is 29 feet; however, 80% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secci disk reading during the 2004 lake survey was 5.9 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.2 to 10.0 feet. Periodic plankton/algae blooms throughout the summer months can influence secchi disk readings. Sand Lake is susceptible to winterkill during severe winters and most recently experienced a partial winterkill during the winter of 1996-1997. Sand Lake is included in class 38 of the MN DNR lake classification scheme. The majority of the shoreline of Sand Lake has not been developed. Within the past couple years, four new homes have been built on the south shoreline and more lots have been developed to build on. A state owned public access is located off State Hwy 59 along the east shoreline of the lake. Because of high water levels, the concrete access gets covered by sand and can be a problem when putting in and taking out watercraft. The shoal water substrates consist of sand, gravel, and muck. Stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered along the shoreline of the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as northern pike, largemouth bass, andpanfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain excellent water quality and angling that our county lakes have to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat. The northern pike and walleye populations appear to be in good shape. Some spawning habitat is available for these species. Northern pike up to 35.0 inches and walleye up to 27.0 inches were sampled in 2004. Northern pike mean length at capture was 22.0 inches, while walleye mean length at capture was 20.4 inches. Walleye fry are stocked every other year to supplement natural reproduction. Historically, bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass numbers are very low or nonexistent; however, the bluegill and black crappie populations appear to have responded well to the lack of any recent winterkill. The 2000 and 2001 year classes appear to be good natural reproduction years for both species. Largemouth bass were not sampled during the 2004 assessment. In order to reestablish a largemouth bass population, the stocking of some prespawn adult bass may be needed. The test-net catch rate for black bullhead was the highest recorded. Black bullhead numbers are also driven by the frequency of winterkill and appear to have responded well to the lack of recent winterkills. The establishment of fish populations in Sand Lake is dependent on the frequency of winterkill. If gamefish populations have time to establish, then Sand Lake can provide good angling opportunity. Anglers can also maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

Sand Lake is in class 38 of the MN DNR lake classification system. Other area lakes in this class include: Buchanan, Block, Elbow, and Round. Northern pike abundance declined from 18.0 per gill net lift in the 1981 and 1985 surveys to 4.0, but remains within the normal range for this lake class. Average individual weight of pike increased slightly from 1.3 pounds in 1981 and 1985 to 1.6 pounds. Northern pike recruitment appears consistent, as five age classes were represented in the sample. Black bullhead abundance increased from 52.8 per trap net lift in 1985 to 383.0, which is 6.5 times greater than the upper limit of the normal range. Bluegill abundance has increased from 1.2 per trap net lift in 1985 to 2.4, but remains well below the normal range. Sixty-two percent of the bluegills measured were greater than 7.0 inches in length. Growth rates appear slightly above statewide means. Black crappie abundance was similar to 1985 at 1.6 per trap net lift, which remains below the normal range. Crappie recruitment appears consistent with six year classes represented in the sample. Yellow perch abundance increased from 22.5 per gill net lift in 1985 to 41.0, which is slightly above the normal range. Walleye abundance declined from 5.5 per gill net lift in 1985 to 3.0, but remains within the normal range. Average individual weight of walleye increased from 1.6 pounds in 1985 to 3.0 pounds. One walleye aged I+ was sampled and is most likely the result of limited natural reproduction.

The fish community in Sand Lake is dominated by a large population of black and brown bullheads. The gill net catch rate for yellow perch dropped from 83.5/net in the 1981 survey to 22.5/net. The northern pike population has remained stable but at a very high abundance and with a very poor size structure. Walleye fry stocking has been successful in previous years creating a limited walleye population

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Sand. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Sand has a maximum depth of 29 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sand is from 2004. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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.