Big Sand Lake near 47.0014, -94.9655 is a lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota. Big Sand Lake covers about 1,635 acres, reaches a recorded 135 feet and holds about 71,536 acre-feet.
How the Size and Shape of Big Sand Lake Affect Fishing
Big Sand Lake has very deep water, but the deepest hole is not always the best place to fish, so look for baitfish, nearby points and the depth where bites start.
Fish and Baits at Big Sand Lake
Fish reported from Big Sand Lake include banded killifish, black bullhead, black crappie, blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, brook stickleback, brown bullhead, central mudminnow, cisco, common shiner, creek chub, fathead minnow, golden shiner, green sunfish, iowa darter, johnny darter, largemouth bass, logperch, mimic shiner, mottled sculpin, muskellunge, northern pike, northern redbelly dace, pumpkinseed, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, smallmouth bass, spottail shiner, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.
Bass
For bass at Big Sand Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth, and work a tube, Ned rig or small crankbait across rock and firm points for smallmouth.
Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish
For panfish at Big Sand Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, pumpkinseed, and green sunfish, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.
Walleye
For roaming fish at Big Sand Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.
Muskellunge and Pike
For large predators at Big Sand Lake, throw a bucktail, jerkbait or large rubber lure along points and weed edges for muskellunge, and cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.
Bullheads
For bottom fishing at Big Sand Lake, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.
Rock Bass
At Big Sand Lake, use a small jig, worm or tiny crankbait around rock and firm shorelines for rock bass.
Cisco
For other cold-water fish at Big Sand Lake, use a tiny jig or small spoon at the depth where cisco are schooling.
How the Seasons Change Big Sand Lake
Spring at Big Sand Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer fishing is usually better in cooler, deeper water. Fall at Big Sand Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.
A Simple Plan for Fishing Big Sand Lake
On a first trip to Big Sand Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.
Useful Tackle for Big Sand Lake
A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Big Sand Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for pike or muskellunge.
Big Sand Lake FAQs
Where should an angler start on the 1,635-acre Big Sand Lake?
At Big Sand Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.
Should anglers fish the 135-foot deep end of Big Sand Lake?
Not every trip. A better place at Big Sand Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.
What does the 71,536 acre-foot storage figure mean at Big Sand Lake?
At Big Sand Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.