Minnesota Fishing Guide

Big Sand

Cass County, Minnesota — DOW #11007700

182 Surveys
730.76
Acres
23 ft
Max Depth
0
13
Fish Species
25
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Big Sand. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.88 lb 4
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 19.9 (above normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.92 lb 179
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 4.8 (above normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.52 lb 29
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.75 lb 2
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 6.4 (above normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.25 lb 58
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.93 lb 8
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 0.1 — — 3
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.87 lb 5
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.99 lb 8
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.95 lb 2
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.58 lb 6
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 6.1 (above normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.99 lb 55
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.82 lb 1

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.17 lb 4
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 29.6 (above normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.13 lb 266
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 24.2 (above normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.09 lb 145
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.20 lb 2
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 31.1 (above normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.18 lb 280
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 22.5 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.17 lb 135
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 0.0 — — 1
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.05 lb 1
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 13.6 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.08 lb 122
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.65 lb 6
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 35.8 (above normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.13 lb 644
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 73.5 — — 147
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 44.7 (above normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.15 lb 402
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 1.8 — — 2
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.35 lb 1

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 37.2 (above normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.57 lb 335
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 4.8 (normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.78 lb 29
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 6.2 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.43 lb 37
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.81 lb 8
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 2.4 (normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.71 lb 19
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 55.0 (above normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.27 lb 330
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 12.6 — 0.01 lb 302
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 11.0 (above normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.48 lb 132
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 24.9 (above normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.46 lb 224
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 6.1 (above normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.56 lb 73
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 3.8 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.72 lb 68
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.54 lb 56
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 10.6 (above normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.60 lb 127
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 0.5 — — 1
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 64.2 (above normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.42 lb 578
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 7.3 (above normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.56 lb 88

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 10.8 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.59 lb 97
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 1.70 lb 6
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 18.0 (above normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.72 lb 108
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 8.6 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.10 lb 77
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 2.00 lb 3
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 12.3 (above normal) 3.6 – 11.0 2.34 lb 74
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 1.3 — — 30
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 1.14 lb 11
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 14.6 (above normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.82 lb 131
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.8 — 2.07 lb 22
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 9.7 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.98 lb 174
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 1.10 lb 24
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 1.0 — — 2
2010-07-06 15-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 1
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 13.9 (above normal) 3.6 – 11.0 2.71 lb 125
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 0.8 — 2.39 lb 9
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 1.63 lb 5

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.40 lb 1
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.50 lb 1
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.04 lb 1
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.38 lb 2
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.71 lb 2
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 2.8 — — 3
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.34 lb 2

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 2.4 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.02 lb 22
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 5.60 lb 3
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 4.8 (above normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.70 lb 29
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 3.2 (above normal) 1.0 – 3.2 1.01 lb 29
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 4.50 lb 2
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.81 lb 11
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 3.2 (above normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.38 lb 29
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 3.74 lb 2
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 3.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.21 lb 60
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 2.09 lb 2
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 3.00 lb 23
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.12 lb 2
2010-07-06 Standard electrofishing 1.4 — 0.09 lb 3

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.90 lb 2
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.17 lb 3
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 3.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.63 lb 23
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.65 lb 2
2014-07-07 Standard electrofishing 19.4 — 1.98 lb 26
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 3.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.46 lb 18
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 2.1 — 0.07 lb 50
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.8 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.74 lb 10
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 2.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.35 lb 22
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.3 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.81 lb 16
1997-07-14 Standard electrofishing 2.1 — 1.24 lb 6
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 3.79 lb 8
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 11.5 — — 23
2010-07-06 Standard electrofishing 6.6 — 0.85 lb 14
2010-07-06 15-ft beach seine 2.7 — — 8
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 1.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.88 lb 16
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 2.8 — — 3
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 0.9 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.88 lb 11
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.12 lb 7

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 9.0 — 0.41 lb 81
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 11.7 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.25 lb 70
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 12.2 — 0.19 lb 73
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 3.8 — 0.19 lb 34
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 18.4 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.14 lb 147
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 37.0 — 0.21 lb 222
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 39.5 — 0.12 lb 949
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 15.8 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.25 lb 190
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 15.1 — 0.11 lb 136
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 10.4 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.22 lb 125
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.6 — 0.33 lb 10
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 32.3 (above normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.24 lb 774
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 40.0 — 0.16 lb 360
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 16.6 — — 18
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 25.0 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.21 lb 300
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 17.0 — — 34
2010-07-06 15-ft beach seine 9.0 — — 27
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 15.7 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.24 lb 188

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 5.6 — 0.28 lb 50
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 3.5 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.28 lb 21
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 6.0 — 0.18 lb 36
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 4.9 — 0.25 lb 44
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 3.4 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.31 lb 27
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 4.7 — 0.21 lb 28
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 5.3 — — 128
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 4.3 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.32 lb 52
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 16.7 — 0.14 lb 150
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 3.1 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.28 lb 37
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.29 lb 4
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 5.8 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.29 lb 140
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 7.1 — 0.18 lb 64
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 1.8 — — 2
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 2.1 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.28 lb 25
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 4.0 — — 8
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.3 (below normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.18 lb 15

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 2.95 lb 2
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.48 lb 4
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.33 lb 3
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.89 lb 1
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 0.3 — — 7
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.92 lb 4
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.24 lb 5
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.99 lb 10
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 4.08 lb 12
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 5.59 lb 3
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.14 lb 2
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 4.68 lb 5

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.69 lb 15
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 5.3 (above normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.42 lb 48
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 1.00 lb 1
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.96 lb 1
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 4.10 lb 1
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 1.75 lb 6

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-07-16 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.39 lb 9
1990-07-16 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.63 lb 3
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 12.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.22 lb 74
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.44 lb 10
1983-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.63 lb 6
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 12.2 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.27 lb 73
2014-07-07 Special trap nets 4.1 — 0.28 lb 99
2014-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.31 lb 5
2005-07-11 Standard gill nets 5.7 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.20 lb 51
2005-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.30 lb 12
1997-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.50 lb 10
1997-07-14 Standard trap nets 2.5 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.38 lb 60
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 9.1 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.24 lb 82
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 1.8 — — 2
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.31 lb 13
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.20 lb 13

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.85 lb 14
1983-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.0 – 38.0 1.00 lb 1

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-07-06 Standard gill nets 1.8 — 0.28 lb 11
2014-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.35 lb 2
2010-07-06 Standard gill nets 0.4 — 0.48 lb 4
2010-07-06 Standard trap nets 4.0 — 0.35 lb 48
2021-07-07 Standard trap nets 2.1 — 0.35 lb 25

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-07-06 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — 6
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 1.8 — 2
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 15.5 — 31

BCS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 1.8 — 2

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-07-06 Backpack electrofishing 26.7 — 29

Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-07-06 50-ft beach seine 0.5 — 1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Beimert Outdoors

Brainerd, MN

(218) 746-4018

★ 5

Big Nasty Tackle

Cass Lake, MN

(218) 339-2274

★ 3.1

Chad Zbasnik Fishing

Walker, MN

(218) 252-5363

Corner Store Depot & Liquor

Brainerd, MN

(218) 824-2007

★ 4.7

Dean's Bait, Walker

Walker, MN

(218) 547-2248

★ 4.8

Full Stringer Bait and Tackle

Longville, MN

(218) 363-2031

★ 4.8

Lakes Area Powersports

Walker, MN

(218) 547-1558

★ 4.6

Leech Lake Distributors

Walker, MN

(218) 547-1505

Nearby Marinas

Bar Harbor Pontoon Rentals

Lake Shore, MN

(218) 855-2651

★ 5

Bentley Pontoons Boat & Snowmobile Storage

Longville, MN

Blackwater lake access

Longville, MN

651-296-6157

★ 4.8

Bradford & Blake Boat Storage

Hackensack, MN

(218) 348-9580

Brainerd Lakes Marine LLC

Pequot Lakes, MN

(218) 821-1648

Captain Gary Leech Lake Pontoon Rental

Walker, MN

(218) 547-2231

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Big Sand

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Big Sand.

Decoy Lodge (Cabin 106) at Bluewater Lodge Resort
Fishing Resort Walker

(714) 235-6033
Ice Guys Fish House Rentals
Fishing Resort East Gull Lake

(218) 851-6488
Leech Lake Cabins
Fishing Resort Walker

(218) 766-6878
Lien's Resort
Fishing Resort Longville

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Big Sand. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Brown BullheadHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassWalleyeYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Big Sand

Adventures Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 232-6556
Bobby G's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 831-7711
Boggs Fishing Adventures
Fishing Guide

(218) 820-5612
Brainerd Lakes Area Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(763) 670-6033
Brainerd Lakes Guides
Fishing Guide

(218) 866-2876
Chuck Emery Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 536-0348

View all 25 guides →

Other Lakes in Cass County

Ada

963.31 acres

Agate

157.41 acres

Alice

96.21 acres

Andrus

55.81 acres

Anway

20.93 acres

Baby

737.32 acres

Plan Your Trip to Big Sand

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.