Today on Big Sand
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Big Sand is best for
DNR data
LargemouthAbundant8.3
Northern pikeAbundant8.3
WalleyePresent · stocked5.9
BluegillPanfish, present4.3
PerchPanfish, present4.3
CrappiePanfish, present4.3
SmallmouthPresent4.3How we rate
Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.
Depth map
Wisconsin DNRTap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
1 public- AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2025 | 567 walleye large fingerling, 6.39" 129,495 walleye fry, 0.5" |
| 2024 | 228,122 walleye small fingerling, 3.51" |
| 2023 | 2,258 walleye large fingerling, 6.99" 217,901 walleye fry, 0.5" |
| 2022 | 1,345 walleye large fingerling, 7.37" 267,353 walleye fry, 0.5" |
| 2021 | 1,126 walleye large fingerling, 7.2" 8,445 walleye small fingerling, 2" |
The DNR has 21 fish surveys on file for this lake.
Before you go
DNRThis is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.
Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch
Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes
Up to 1 meal a month Muskies
Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsChinese Mystery Snail · Purple Loosestrife
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Big Sand
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Big Sand
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
Big Sand board
Catches & reportsLakes near Big Sand
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viola LakeBurnett | 1.6 | 285 | 34 ft |
| Warner LakeBurnett | 1.8 | 176 | 75 ft |
| Buck LakeBurnett | 2 | 67 | 6 ft |
| Cranberry LakeBurnett | 2.4 | 79 | 23 ft |
| Bass LakeBurnett | 2.4 | 110 | 18 ft |
| Owl LakeIron | 2.7 | 129 | 49 ft |
| Pokegama LakeBurnett | 3.3 | 160 | 28 ft |
| Pike LakeBurnett | 3.4 | 77 | 15 ft |
Big Sand questions
How deep is Big Sand Lake?
Big Sand Lake is 55 feet at its deepest, and 9 feet deep on average. It covers 1,434 acres.
What fish are in Big Sand Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists largemouth bass (abundant), northern pike (abundant), panfish (present), smallmouth bass (present) and walleye (present).
Where is the boat launch on Big Sand Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Big Sand Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Big Sand Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Big Sand Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 567 walleye (large fingerling) and 129,495 walleye (fry).
Fish it longer
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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.