DNR Fact Sheet, Big Sand Lake, Burnett County

Location:  

    East Central Burnett County, Two miles west of Hertel, on State Hwy 70    T38, 39N - R15W

Size:

    1,400 acres, 55 feet max depth, Average depth of 9 feet

Lake Type:

    Big Sand Lake is a soft water, seepage lake with an outlet to the Yellow River. The only flow out of the lake is during periods of high runoff. There is an intermittent feeder fro Warner Lake on the south side.

Water Quality

    The lake does not experience any noticeable algae bloom during the summer months. The water is quite clear with a secchi disk reading of 14 feet. Floating and submergent species seem to be the dominant vegetation types on the west and south sides. Emergent species appear more abundant along the north shore.

Bottom Types:

    Big Sand Lake's predominant bottom is sand. The only exception is the shallow west end which is muck throughout.

Recreational Info:

    A state WDNP owned public access is located on the southwest end of the lake off state Hwy 70. The lake is one of the more important water resources of Burnett County, and is used for fishing, swimming, pleasure boating, water skiing, trapping, waterfowl hunting and snowmobiling.

Fish, the following species are:

    Abundant -    N Pike, largemouth bass

    Present -      Walleye, smallmouth bass, pan fish

Fish Health Advisory:

    One or more fish species present in the lake have been tested for mercury levels and no consumption advisory exists

Buyer be aware:

    Individual shorelines will vary. Permits are needed to alter any lake bottom or wetlands. Permits are needed for chemical control of aquatic vegetation. County zoning, determines such things as septic system placement, the number of trees that can be cleared on properties house setback distances from lakeshore etc

Management Comments:

    Big Sand Lake offers fairly good fishing for largemouth bass and bluegills. Angling quality for northern pike, black crappie and other pan fish species not as good. A walleye stocking program was reestablished in 1984 increasing fishing opportunities for anglers.