The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Sand Lake
Vilas County, Wisconsin · about 1,380 acres (2.2 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this morning.
About Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake is a lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin, covering about 1,380 acres.
From end to end it runs about 2.5 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 8.1 miles. Its surface is about 1,700 ft above sea level. Eagle River lies about 14 miles to the southwest.
- Size
- About 1,380 acres (2.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.1 miles
- End to end
- About 2.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,700 ft
- County
- Vilas County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
- 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Wisconsin, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 43°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:54 am · sunset 4:25 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Sand Lake
- Eagle Riverabout 14 mi southwest
- Iron Riverabout 15 mi east
- Stambaugh, Iron Riverabout 16 mi east
- Crystal Fallsabout 30 mi east
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Questions about Big Sand Lake
What fish are in Big Sand Lake?
Lakes like Big Sand Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Sand Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Big Sand Lake?
About 1,380 acres, with about 8.1 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Sand Lake?
Eagle River is about 14 miles southwest; Iron River is about 15 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Big Sand Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Sand Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
