Big Sandy

Aitkin County, Minnesota — DOW #01006200

105 Surveys

Special Regulations for Big Sandy

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Daily limit five. (Including connected waters: Aitkin Lake including area known as Aitkin Flowage, Davis Lake including bay known as Steamboat Lake, Flowage Lake, Sandy River Lake, Prairie River from confluence with Tamarack River downstream to confluence with Big Sandy Lake, Sandy River from State Highway 210 downstream to confluence with the Mississippi River, and West Savanna River from County Highway 14 downstream to confluence with the Prairie River.)
All less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. (Including connected waters: Aitkin Lake including area known as Aitkin Flowage, Davis Lake including bay known as Steamboat Lake, Flowage Lake, Sandy River Lake, Prairie River from confluence with Tamarack River downstream to confluence with Big Sandy Lake, Sandy River from State Highway 210 downstream to confluence with the Mississippi River, and West Savanna River from County Highway 14 downstream to confluence with the Prairie River.)

Invasive Species Alert

Big Sandy has confirmed populations of:

flowering rush

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

6,124.86

Acres

84 ft

Max Depth

21.4 ft

Mean Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.2	0.12 lb	2

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.38 lb	2
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.33 lb	8
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.56 lb	2
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	4.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.84 lb	169
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	0.70 lb	9
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.66 lb	2

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	5.5 (normal)	3.0 – 7.9	1.25 lb	71
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	3.0 – 7.9	1.24 lb	70
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	1.0	—	0.94 lb	15
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	4.1 (normal)	3.0 – 7.9	1.15 lb	99
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.82 lb	14
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	18.8	—	—	188
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.0 (below normal)	3.0 – 7.9	1.67 lb	28
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	1.10 lb	19

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 1.1	0.26 lb	5
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.1	0.28 lb	2
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	4.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.47 lb	65
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 1.1	0.15 lb	16
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.53 lb	30
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	4.6	—	—	46
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.2 – 1.1	0.36 lb	12
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	2.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.60 lb	41

BIB

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	27.50 lb	1
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.1	—	—	1

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	3.1 (normal)	1.0 – 3.5	2.24 lb	40
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.0 – 3.5	1.45 lb	30
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	2.2 (normal)	1.0 – 3.5	1.64 lb	52
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.1 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.28 lb	46
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	7.0	—	—	70
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.0 – 3.5	1.89 lb	28
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	3.06 lb	7

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	5.5 (normal)	4.0 – 9.6	0.55 lb	72
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	3.2 (below normal)	4.0 – 9.6	0.54 lb	48
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.41 lb	3
2019-10-03	Fall electrofishing	156.7	—	0.19 lb	235
2013-10-07	Special electrofishing	550.5	—	0.06 lb	1101
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	19.8 (above normal)	4.0 – 9.6	0.66 lb	476
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.44 lb	37
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	11.4	—	0.99 lb	114
2016-04-04	Special trap nets	15.2	—	1.10 lb	1234
2016-04-04	Musky trap nets	18.5	—	1.12 lb	556
2016-04-04	Special electrofishing	121.6	—	0.89 lb	1384
2021-09-28	Fall electrofishing	166.9	—	0.41 lb	292
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	8.8 (normal)	4.0 – 9.6	0.54 lb	123
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.92 lb	11

Shorthead Redhorse

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.1 – 0.5	1.50 lb	6
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	1.9 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.5	1.33 lb	29
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 0.8	1.30 lb	5
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.9	—	—	9
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	1.5 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.5	1.80 lb	21
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 0.8	2.42 lb	7

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	17.1 (normal)	7.1 – 33.9	0.47 lb	223
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	0.7 – 3.7	0.27 lb	34
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	11.5 (normal)	7.1 – 33.9	0.32 lb	172
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	5.4 (above normal)	0.7 – 3.7	0.19 lb	222
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	12.1 (normal)	7.1 – 33.9	0.38 lb	291
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	7.0	—	—	70
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	2.9 (normal)	0.7 – 3.7	0.23 lb	57
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	11.9 (normal)	7.1 – 33.9	0.30 lb	167

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-07-22	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.0 – 6.6	0.79 lb	6
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	1.0 – 6.6	0.79 lb	20
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.7 – 3.3	0.61 lb	23
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.0 – 6.6	0.60 lb	11
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.7 – 3.3	0.46 lb	39
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.4	—	—	4
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.0 – 6.6	0.54 lb	12
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.3	0.63 lb	13

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 2.1	1.25 lb	19
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	0.3 – 2.1	0.39 lb	74
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	0.5 – 4.1	0.45 lb	48
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.1	1.47 lb	3

SLR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	4.51 lb	4
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	1.91 lb	22
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	1.3	—	2.01 lb	31
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	2.54 lb	1
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	6.15 lb	1

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.6 – 6.4	1.64 lb	1
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.8	1.21 lb	11
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.6 – 6.4	0.73 lb	3
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.9 – 4.8	0.75 lb	43
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.8	1.10 lb	1

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	0.45 lb	3

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard gill nets	9.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.2	1.38 lb	148
1975-07-28	Standard gill nets	2.9 (normal)	0.5 – 5.2	1.36 lb	70
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	20.8	—	—	208
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	4.1 (normal)	0.5 – 5.2	0.83 lb	57

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	4.5 (normal)	3.7 – 42.9	0.36 lb	67
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	3.7 – 42.9	0.20 lb	6
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.1	—	—	1
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.34 lb	2
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	1.1 (below normal)	3.7 – 42.9	0.23 lb	22

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	1.0 (below normal)	1.6 – 6.9	0.30 lb	15
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.6 – 6.9	0.36 lb	7
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.6 (below normal)	1.6 – 6.9	0.18 lb	11

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-07-11	Standard trap nets	1.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.1	5.15 lb	26
1975-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.1	4.77 lb	69
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.2	0.86 lb	1
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	1.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.1	4.98 lb	32

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.3	—	—	3
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.9	2.67 lb	1

RHS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.9	—	9

Channel Catfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-04-04	Short-term gill nets	0.5	—	—	5
2016-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	3.46 lb	5

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.4	1.65 lb	2

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

Nearby Marinas

3K StorageMN on Lake Minnewawa

McGregor, MN

(218) 429-2108

★ 5

Aitkin Rental

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-6907

★ 4.5

Farm Island Repair and Marine

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-6395

★ 4.7

FLOE International

McGregor, MN

(800) 336-6337

★ 4.8

Horseshoelakestorage.net

McGregor, MN

(218) 670-0063

★ 5

Libby Marine

McGregor, MN

(218) 994-9245

Resorts & Lodges Near Big Sandy

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

Big Sandy Lake Cabin Rental

Fishing Resort McGregor

(612) 735-9455

McGregor Cabin Rentals

Fishing Resort McGregor

(218) 839-7545

Loaf N Leisure Resort and RV Park

Fishing Resort Aitkin

(218) 234-2882

Ole's Resort

Fishing Resort McGregor

(218) 426-3487

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

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

Bigmouth Buffalo Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Bowfin (Dogfish)Brown Bullhead Burbot Channel Catfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Redhorse Rock Bass Shorthead Redhorse Silver Redhorse Smallmouth Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Big Sandy

Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Guide

Fishing Guide

(651) 271-8600

Mille Lacs Lake Guiding

Fishing Guide

(763) 238-7507

North Mille Lacs Ice Fishing

Fishing Guide

(218) 670-5012

Other Lakes in Aitkin County

Plan Your Trip to Big Sandy

Weather forecast for Big Sandy — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.7599°N, 93.2860°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

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

Big Sandy

Special Regulations for Big Sandy

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Burbot

Brown Bullhead

Northern Pike

Black Crappie

BIB

White Sucker

Walleye

Shorthead Redhorse

Yellow Perch

Rock Bass

Black Bullhead

SLR

Yellow Bullhead

Hybrid Sunfish

Tullibee (Cisco)

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

Bowfin

Smallmouth Bass

RHS

Channel Catfish

Largemouth Bass

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Aitkin Backwoods Farm Supply LLC

Bill's Sportsmans Service

Farm Island Store

Farm Island Store & Off Sale

Glen Store

McGregor Oil

Sather's Gateway Store

Sue’s Bait shop

Nearby Marinas

3K StorageMN on Lake Minnewawa

Aitkin Rental

Farm Island Repair and Marine

FLOE International

Horseshoelakestorage.net

Libby Marine

Resorts & Lodges Near Big Sandy

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Big Sandy

Other Lakes in Aitkin County

Aitkin

Anderson

Bachelor

Ball Bluff

Bass

Bay

Plan Your Trip to Big Sandy