Area Guide
Big Sand Lake Escape
Everything around Big Sand Lake: landings, supplies, dining and things to do.
Know before you go
Fishing license
Everyone 16 and older needs a Wisconsin fishing license, residents and visitors alike. Non-residents can buy a 1-day, 4-day or 15-day license online or at local bait shops. Buy at gowild.wi.gov →
Current regulations for Big Sand Lake
| Species | Season | Min length | Daily bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Boating
Operators born on or after Jan 1, 1989 need a Wisconsin boating safety certificate. Check lake-specific slow-no-wake rules before you launch. DNR boating regulations →
Clean boats, clean waters
Wisconsin law: before leaving any landing, drain all water and remove all plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and gear. DNR invasive species →
ATVs and snowmobiles
All ATVs and snowmobiles must be registered. Non-residents also need a Wisconsin trail pass. DNR ATV page →
Burn restrictions
Check before you light a campfire. DNR burning restrictions →
In an emergency
Call 911.
Nearest urgent care
St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic
[seed] Wisconsin fishing license — quick info
Anyone 16+ needs a Wisconsin fishing license. Daily, 4-day, and annual licenses are sold online at gowild.wi.gov and at most bait shops, gas stations, and DNR service centers.
- Trout stamp required for trout streams.
- Out-of-state non-resident annual: ~$50; daily: ~$10.
- Kids under 16 fish free.
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