Red Sand Lake

Red Sand Lake is a lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Red Sand Lake covers about 523 acres, reaches a recorded 15 feet and holds about 1,919 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Red Sand Lake Affect Fishing

Red Sand Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Red Sand Lake

Fish reported from Red Sand Lake include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, brown bullhead, central mudminnow, golden shiner, iowa darter, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Red Sand, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Red Sand, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Red Sand, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Red Sand, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Bullheads

For bottom fishing at Red Sand, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.

Other Reported Fish

Other choices at Red Sand include these plans: work a tough soft plastic or cut bait near weeds and wood for bowfin.

How the Seasons Change Red Sand Lake

Spring at Red Sand is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Red Sand can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Red Sand Lake

On a first trip to Red Sand, 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 Red Sand Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Red Sand, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Red Sand Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 523-acre Red Sand Lake?

At Red Sand, 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 15-foot deep end of Red Sand Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Red Sand is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 1,919 acre-foot storage figure mean at Red Sand Lake?

At Red Sand, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.