Sandy

Sandy Lake is located in northeastern Sherburne County, 4 miles northeast of Zimmerman. The lake has a surface area of 62 acres, maximum depth of 41 feet, and two small public accesses are located on both the north and south shore. The lake is primarily managed for largemouth bass and northern pike. A population assessment was conducted in 2012 to assess fish populations, and included spring electrofishing and summer test netting (gill nets, and trap nets). Catch rates were compared to lakes with similar characteristics as a way to evaluate the fish populations of Sandy Lake. Largemouth bass were relatively abundant during spring electrofishing; 27 bass were caught in 47 minutes of effort, which is near the daytime average for the Montrose management area. Their size was also good; average length was 13.6 inches, 37 percent of largemouth bass sampled were 15 inches or longer, and the largest individual was 20 inches. Northern pike have increased in numbers and decreased in size since 2002. The catch rate for pike was within the expected range for similar lakes, and average size was 20 inches and 1.6 lbs. The largest individual captured was only 25 inches and less than four percent of the pike sampled were greater than 24 inches in length. Bluegill were small, and their numbers were lower than 2002. Their average catch rate and size (5 inches) were below statewide averages for similar lakes. The largest bluegill captured was 7.6 inches in length. Few black crappie were caught in 2012 and they have been rare in previous surveys as well. The average length was six inches and the largest individual was eight inches. Sandy Lake has a diverse, abundant aquatic plant community and a small watershed, which contributes to good water quality. Landowners can help by protecting or planting native vegetation along the lakeshore.

Sandy Lake is located in northeastern Sherburne County, 4 miles northeast of Zimmerman. The lake has a surface area of 62 acres, a maximum depth of 41 feet, and small public accesses are located on both the north and south shore. A lake survey was conducted in the summer of 2002 to assess changes to the lake and the fishery since the previous survey in 1991. The lake is managed primarily for largemouth bass and northern pike.Largemouth bass were relatively abundant during spring electrofishing; 53 bass were caught in 40 minutes of effort, which is above average for the Montrose management area. Their size was also good; average length was 12.5 inches, 13 bass were 15 inches or longer, and the largest individual was 19.4 inches.Northern pike seem to have decreased in numbers and increased in size since 1991. The catch rate for pike was below the expected level for lakes similar to Sandy, but average size (1.95 lbs, 18.9 inches) was typical. The largest individual captured was 34 inches and pike growth was average for younger fish, but older fish grew more slowly.Bluegill were small, growing slowly, and their numbers appear to have declined since 1991. Their average catch rate and size (5 inches) were below statewide averages from similar lakes. The largest bluegill captured was only 6.3 inches in length.Few black crappie were caught in 2002 and they have been rare in previous surveys as well. Average length was 8.1 inches and the largest individual was 11.6 inches. Crappie growth was average. No yellow perch were found in the survey, but other species caught included yellow bullhead, brown bullhead, and white sucker.Sandy Lake has a diverse, abundant aquatic plant community and a small watershed, which contributes to good water quality. Landowners can help by protecting or planting native vegetation on the lakeshore.

Northern Pike were sampled in 1991 at a catch rate of 10.0/gill net and was similar to 1986. This catch rate indicates an average abundance for the lake class. Northern pike were small in size and ranged in length from 13.2 to 20.4 inches for males and 14.5 to 22.8 inches for females and averaged 1.1 pounds, collectively. Age groups 2 to 5 were present with a modal age group of age-3. Growth was slow for all ages. Northern Pike age-5 were less than 20 inches in length. Species that were caught in the trap nets included: Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. Yellow Bullhead were abundant with a catch rate of 16.3/trap net and was above the range of expected values for the lake class. The modal length group was 7.0 to 7.4 inches and averaged .3 pounds. Brown Bullhead had average abundance with a catch rate of 2.3/trap net and had a modal length group of 12.0 to 12.9 inches. Bluegill and Black Crappie were sampled in high numbers, but were small in size and had slow growth. Bluegill had a modal length of 4.5 to 4.9 inches. Black Crappie had a modal length of 6.5 to 6.9 inches. Spring electrofishing samples and angler reports indicated an abundant population of Largemouth Bass. Fifty-eight Largemouth Bass were sampled in 75 minutes of electrofishing with a catch rate of 46.4 bass/hour. Thirteen percent of the Largemouth Bass sampled were 15 inches or longer and two 20 inch bass were sampled. Largemouth Bass growth rates were average.

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

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

Sandy has a maximum depth of 41 feet and a mean depth of 13.9 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sandy is from 2012. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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