Big Sand Lake

View of Big Sand Lake, the 1427 acre lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin
   Big Sand Lake is a 1427-acre lake located outside of Phelps with good water clarity (over 10 feet) and an average depth of about 16 feet. It's a popular local fishing lake that connects to Long Lake, giving owners access to even more water. There are only 16 owners per mile of shoreline. If you don't mind being a bit further north, Big Sand is a great lake to check out. The lake sits near Phelps within the broader Eagle River-area orbit but far enough out to feel like its own quiet destination, offering deep, clear water, big-lake views, and less traffic than many high-profile resort lakes. Its good water clarity and depth give it a more "big-lake" personality with expansive views, classic Northwoods shorelines, and fewer boats than one might expect for its size. While there is development along portions of the shoreline, it remains less built-up than many marquee resort lakes, and the drive out from Eagle River filters out casual traffic. Buyers who settle on Big Sand typically want a blend of strong fishing, room to roam, and a more private, unplugged feel, even if that means a bit more windshield time for errands.
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Big Sand Lake Specs:

Clarity: 10.5 Feet
Avg. Depth: 16 Feet
Size: 1427 Acres
Max Depth: 65 Feet
Shoreline: 8.50 Miles
Water Source: Drainage
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Blue Green
Trophic State: Mesotrophic
Time to Town: 33 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 10.42
Owners Per Mile: 16.12

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings

-- Lake Notification --

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing: Average
Fish Species: Variety
Bottom: Mixed
Boat Traffic: Average
Noise Level: Quiet
High Speed: No
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads: Average
Cell Coverage: Spotty
Home Density: Low
Boat Launch:
Lake Grade: Excellent
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Phelps
School District: Phelps
Tax Rate: $13.09 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Big Sand Lake contour map
Paddling Routes:
No nearby trails but Big Sand is a nice lake to paddle.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Phelps Snowmobile Club trails can be accessed to the north of the lake. They maintain over 40 miles of trails from Lac Vieux Desert to North Twin Lake.
ATV Trails:
The Landover ATV Club Trails run just to the south of the lake. It is a vast network of ATV trails that connect Eagle River to Upper Michigan. There are a variety of riding options ranging from paved roads to trails through the national forests. By far the largest ATV trail network in Vilas County.
Nearby State Areas:
Land O'Lakes:
25 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Eagle River:
30 mins
Grocery Store
Hospital

This is a summary based on available information.

Fishing reports describe Big Sand Lake as a solid multi‑species fishery with opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass, panfish, northern pike, and occasional muskies, helped by its depth and overall water quality. Deeper basins with defined structure—points, humps, and breaks—tend to shine for gamefish, while weedy bays and shoreline transitions hold panfish and shallow‑oriented predators. Clear water often calls for more natural presentations and a focus on early/late or windy periods, when walleyes and smallmouths move higher in the water column and closer to structure tops. Cabin owners commonly treat the lake as both a home water and a “destination within a destination,” planning longer outings that combine exploring new structure with simple trolling or drifting passes along proven edges.

How big is Big Sand Lake?

Big Sand Lake is 1427 acres with 8.50 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Big Sand Lake?

Big Sand Lake has an average depth of 16 feet and a maximum depth of 65 feet.

Does Big Sand Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Big Sand Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Big Sand Lake from Eagle River?

Big Sand Lake is 33 minutes from Eagle River, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Big Sand Lake?

Big Sand Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Big Sand Lake?

Big Sand Lake has a water clarity of 10.5 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Big Sand Lake?

The shoreline of Big Sand Lake is about 8.50 miles.

What type of lake is Big Sand Lake?

Big Sand Lake is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Big Sand Lake?

Big Sand Lake is a Mesotrophic lake.

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