Sand Point

Sand Point Lake is located within Voyageurs National Park, approximately 5 miles north of Crane Lake, Minnesota on the International border between Minnesota and Ontario. Sand Point is a Class 2, mesotrophic lake with a total surface area of 8,526 acres, of which 4,848 acres (57%) are in Minnesota. Its waters are soft, and aquatic vegetation is sparse, except in the shallow bays. Sand Point Lake has a maximum depth of 184 feet, although almost one third (32%) of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. The mean summer transparency (Secchi) is 7.2 feet. Sand Point Lake is usually stratified from late May to late October of each year. Shoal water substrates are dominated by boulder, ledge rock, rubble, sand, and muck. Sand Point is part of the Namakan Reservoir, which also consists of Crane, Kabetogama, Little Vermilion, and Namakan lakes. Sand Point Lake has been sampled annually with fall gill nets since 1983. Current fishing regulations on Sand Point Lake follow the border waters (Canada-Minnesota) regulations. For Walleye and Sauger, the limit is six (not more than four can be Walleye), Walleye from 18"-26" must be immediately released, and only one Walleye over 26" is allowed in the possession limit. Walleye gill net catch rate was 11.1 fish per net, which was well above the long-term Mean for Sand Point Lake. Total length ranged from 7.4 to 26.1 inches and the average length was 13.1 inches. A total of 14 year-classes were present and ages ranged from 1 to 15 years. Overall, there are good numbers of Walleye in Sand Point Lake, with the chance to catch large Walleye. Sand Point Lake offers a good Walleye fishing opportunity. Northern Pike gill net catch rate was 3.9 fish per net, which was well above average compared to similar lakes. Total length ranged from 15.2 to 42.1 inches and the average length was 23.8 inches. A total of ten year-classes were present, and ages ranged from 1 to 10 years. Overall, there are good numbers of Northern Pike in Sand Point Lake and abundances have been increasing in the last 25 years. Sauger gill net catch rate was 1.2 fish per net, which was below average compared to similar lakes. Total length ranged from 9.0 to 12.3 inches and the average length was 10.6 inches. A total of six year-classes were present, and ages ranged from 3 to 8 years. The 2020 year-class is providing good numbers of Sauger, and preliminary data suggest a strong 2022 year-class. Although Sauger in Sand Point Lake do not reach larger overall sizes, they do provide an additional harvest opportunity for anglers. Yellow Perch gill net catch rate was 0.9 fish per net, which was below average for Sand Point Lake. Total length ranged from 5.3 to 9.6 inches and the average length was 6.7 inches. A total of five year-classes were present in the sample and ages ranged from 2 to 7 years. Yellow Perch offer an additional fishing opportunity and forage for Walleye and Northern Pike. Smallmouth Bass gill net catch rate was 1.2 fish per net, which was above average compared to similar lakes and is the highest catch ever recorded in Sand Point Lake. Total length ranged from 11.0 to 14.2 inches and the average length was 13.1 inches. Two year-classes were present, ages 4 and 5. Black Crappie are present in Sand Point Lake but are typically sampled in low numbers. The gill net catch rate was 0.9 fish per net, which was above average compared to similar lakes. Total length ranged from 4.3 to 11.5 inches and the average length was 7.3 inches. Black Crappie offer an additional fishing opportunity in Sand Point Lake. Cisco and Lake Whitefish were also sampled in 2025

Introduction This investigation was designed to document the population characteristics of Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) found in Namakan and Sand Point Lakes, Minnesota. Changes in water-level management first enacted by the International Joint Commission (IJC) in 2000 were expected to be beneficial to Lake Whitefish in the Namakan Reservoir. Lake Whitefish spawn in shallow water during October and November with eggs hatching early in the following spring. Whitefish eggs, therefore, are susceptible to desiccation during winters with significant water level drawdown. This investigation used the Fish Community Index Netting (FCIN) protocol developed by the Province of Ontario (LNFAU 2001) to collect long-term population characteristics of Lake Whitefish in Namakan and Sand Point Lakes. FCIN is carried out on a two of four-year rotation. The 2025 sampling season represents the first of two surveys in the current four-year rotation on the Namakan Reservoir. Methods A total of nine FCIN nets were set from August 4th through August 7th, 2025, on Namakan Lake. Three additional sets were made on Sand Point Lake on August 7th and lifted on August 8th. Sets were approximately 24 hours in duration. Gill nets used were eight feet tall and consisted of nine 50-foot panels of various mesh gill net (1.0, 2.25, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 1.75, 0.5, 2.0, and 1.25 inch bar measure). Net locations were selected to sample two depth strata (50'-90' and greater than 90'). Six nets were set in the shallow-water stratum and three were set in the deep-water stratum of Namakan Lake, and two were set in the shallow-water stratum and one in the deep-water stratum of Sand Point Lake (Figure 1). Net location and orientation were chosen randomly within strata across the entire lake. However, nets could not be within 330 feet of shore or exposed shoals. All fish captured in each net were separated by species and capture mesh. Total length, weight, sex, and state of maturity were recorded for all Lake Whitefish captured. Otoliths were collected from Lake Whitefish and sent to the Lake Superior Area Fisheries Office for aging. Five metrics were incorporated to track long-term trends in the Lake Whitefish population (LNFAU 2001). 1) Mean age of first maturity 2) Mean age of FCIN catch 3) Relative abundance (Catch per unit effort (CPUE)) 4) Recruitment/ juvenile abundance (CPUE of age 3, 4 and 5) 5) Spatial distribution of FCIN catch Results and Discussion A total of seven species totaling 393 individual fish were caught in the 2025 summer FCIN assessment (Table 1). Cisco species were the most common fish by number and weight, making up 77.6 percent of the total catch by number and 38.5 percent of the catch by weight. Lake Whitefish and Walleye made up the next largest portion of the total weight at 22.6 and 21.8 percent of the catch, respectively. Lake Whitefish were caught at a rate of 2.9 per gill net with a total of 35 fish caught. A total of 305 Cisco (25.4 per net), 27 Burbot (2.3 per net), 19 Walleyes (1.6 per net), four White Suckers (0.3 per net), two Northern Pike (0.2 per net), and one Sauger were caught during the 2025 FCIN survey. Lake Whitefish ranged in length from 7.7 to 21.9 inches, with a mean of 15.7 inches (Table 2). The mean weight was 1.6 pounds. Twelve age-classes were represented in the 2025 catch with the age-4 year-class composing 22.9 percent of the total catch while the age-5 and age-10 year-classes each made up an additional 14.3 percent of the total catch (Table 3). Five metrics for evaluating the Lake Whitefish population were calculated. The age of 50% maturity (females) was 9.6 years. The mean age of Lake Whitefish in the FCIN catch was 6.9 years. Recruitment criteria showed that the juvenile abundance (CPUE of age 3, 4, 5) of Lake Whitefish was 1.3 per net. The two highest catch rates of juvenile Lake Whitefish since sampling began in 2004 occurred during the 2022 and 2025 surveys. Lake Whitefish were sampled at 8 of 12 stations (Figure 2). Lake Whitefish were not sampled in any of the nets from Sand Point Lake in 2022 or 2025. FCIN sampling from recent years suggest the Lake Whitefish population is relatively stable. Sampling was carried out in a two of four-year rotation resulting in 12 years of sampling between 2004 and 2025. Lake Whitefish catch rates have fluctuated between 1.3 per net and 4.6 per net and averaged 3.0 per net. There is no longer a commercial fishery for Lake Whitefish on the Minnesota side of the Namakan Reservoir and recreational harvest is likely low. There were several age classes of Lake Whitefish present in the 2025 catch with individuals up to 20 years old and a good catch rate of juvenile fish. Consistent catch rates of juvenile Lake Whitefish suggest good reproduction and recruitment. Monitoring of the Lake Whitefish population for signs of stress should continue. References LNFAU, 1999. Lake Nipigon Fisheries Assessment Unit: Fish Community Index Netting (FCIN). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario, Canada.

Sand Point Lake is located within Voyageurs National Park, approximately 5 miles north of Crane Lake, Minnesota on the International border between Minnesota and Ontario. Sand Point is a Class 2, mesotrophic lake with a total surface area of 8,526 acres, of which 4,848 acres (57%) are in Minnesota. Its waters are soft, and aquatic vegetation is sparse, except in the shallow bays. Sand Point Lake has a maximum depth of 184 feet, although almost one third (32%) of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. The mean summer transparency (Secchi) is 7.2 feet. Sand Point Lake is usually stratified from late May to late October of each year. Shoal water substrates are dominated by boulder, ledge rock, rubble, sand, and muck. Sand Point is part of the Namakan Reservoir, which also consists of Crane, Kabetogama, Little Vermilion, and Namakan lakes. Sand Point Lake has been sampled annually with fall gill nets since 1983. Current fishing regulations on Sand Point Lake follow the boarder waters (Canada-Minnesota) regulations. For Walleye and Sauger, the limit is six (not more than four can be Walleye), Walleye from 18"-26" must be immediately released, and only one Walleye over 26" allowed in possession limit. Walleye gill net catch rate was 21.1 fish per net, which was above average compared to similar lakes, and the record high catch for Sand Point Lake. The catch rate is above the management goal of 6.3 fish per net for Sand Point Lake. Total length ranged from 4.3 to 25.7 inches and the average length was 13.0 inches. A total of 17 year-classes were present and ages ranged from 0 to 18 years. Overall, there are good numbers of Walleye in Sand Point Lake, with the chance to catch Walleye over 26 inches. Sand Point Lake offers a good Walleye fishing opportunity. Northern Pike gill net catch rate was 3.0 fish per net, which was well above average compared to similar lakes. The catch rate is above the management goal of 1.6 fish per net for Sand Point Lake. Total length ranged from 15.0 to 33.7 inches and the average length was 23.2 inches. A total of nine year-classes were present, and ages ranged from 1 to 9 years. Overall, there are good numbers of Northern Pike in Sand Point Lake. Aquatic vegetation is sparse in Sand Point Lake, so anglers looking to target Northern Pike might consider Brown's Bay, Grassy Bay, Staege Bay, or around the islands just south of the Namakan Narrows. Sauger gill net catch rate was 1.3 fish per net, which was below average compared to similar lakes. Total length ranged from 8.0 to 13.2 inches and the average length was 10.5 inches. A total of seven year-classes were present, and ages ranged from 2 to 9 years. The 2020 year-class is providing good numbers of Sauger, and preliminary data suggest a strong 2022 year-class. Although Sauger in Sand Point Lake do not reach larger overall sizes, they do provide an additional harvest opportunity for anglers. Yellow Perch gill net catch rate was 1.6 fish per net, which was below average compared to similar lakes. Total length ranged from 5.6 to 9.7 inches and the average length was 7.1 inches. A total of five year-classes were present in the sample and ages ranged from 3 to 9 years. Yellow Perch offer an additional fishing opportunity and forage for Walleye and Northern Pike. Smallmouth Bass gill net catch rate was 1.2 fish per net, which was above average compared to similar lakes and is the highest catch ever recorded in Sand Point Lake. Total length ranged from 7.6 to 17.1 inches and the average length was 12.4 inches. A total of five year-classes were present and ages ranged from 3 to 8 years. Sand Point Lake does not lack Smallmouth Bass habitat, so anglers will have to make the tough discission of where to start. Black Crappie are present in Sand Point Lake but are typically sampled in low numbers. The gill net catch rate was 0.7 fish per net, which was above average compared to similar lakes. Total length ranged from 4.8 to 11.4 inches and the average length was 8.0 inches. Black Crappie offer an additional fishing opportunity in Sand Point Lake. Cisco and Lake Whitefish are also present and provide quality forage for top predators in Sand Point Lake.

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

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

Sand Point has a maximum depth of 184 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sand Point is from 2025.

Yes — Sand Point has confirmed spiny waterflea and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.