Fishing

FISHING

Fishing – Reel in the Good Times

Driftwood Resort offers front-row access to one of Minnesota’s finest fishing lakes — Sand Lake. Whether you’re an early-morning angler or a laid-back weekend caster, this is the spot where stories (and fish) are made.

“The cabins are clean, comfortable, and right on the water. We loved waking up to the sunrise every morning!”

The Harris Family

Traveller

“This is our third year at Driftwood. Our kids think it's their second home. Fishing, bonfires, and no screens — exactly what we needed.”

Lindsey & Mark P.

“We booked a cabin last minute and didn’t want to leave. Peaceful, beautiful, and run by genuinely kind people.”

Jake R.

Traveller

TESTIMONIALS

Memoirs from Our Guests

All Testimonials

BIG CATCH

Fishing at Sand Lake

Walleye

Walleyes thrive in Sand Lake’s drop-offs, weed edges, clam beds, and rocky zones—especially once water temps hit the mid-50s. Early season tactics like slip bobbers with leeches or light jigs with rainbows work well along cabbage weed flats. As summer rolls in, walleyes shift deeper to shoreline bars and points. For best results, try live bait rigs with 4–6 ft snells tipped with leeches or crawlers.

Crappie

Sand Lake is loaded with high-quality crappie, making it a go-to spot for panfish lovers. In spring and early summer, they hang out in weedy areas near deep water. Later in the season, crappies move to drop-off edges, rock bars, and old “crib” structures from the 1980s that still attract fish. These spots are great for a consistent crappie bite throughout the warmer months.

Northern pike

Northern pike are aggressive, fun to catch, and common in Sand Lake. While most are small, the lake holds plenty of action. Cast or troll crankbaits along weed bed edges, or jig with minnows for consistent bites. If you hook a big one, consider releasing it—it helps control the number of smaller pike and keeps the population healthy.

Perch and pan fish

Perch and other panfish are everywhere—especially around weed lines and the main lake bars. Bobber fishing or vertical jigging with a crawler on a plain hook is all you need for a great day on the water. These fish are fun for all ages and make for a delicious shore lunch when the bite is hot.

Bass

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found throughout Sand Lake, particularly in the shallows and back bays. The numbers aren’t overwhelming, but there’s plenty of action for anglers who enjoy targeting bass in a more relaxed, scenic setting. Bring your favorite topwater or spinnerbait and explore the shoreline.

FISHING TIME

Make The Best of Fishing Holidays

Spring

The early May Fishing Opener is a great experience on Sand Lake. The walleye congregate in the shallow water (4 to 8 feet), making them easy pickings. While the walleyes are holding to the shallows, you’ll find many crappie in the deeper holes, and bass will be holed up in the back bays feeding on just about everything—from crawfish to minnows.

Summer

Come summer, with the sun is high in the sky, you’ll want to hunt the deeper holes and shadowed bays. In early mornings and evenings, concentrate on deep holes, ledges, weed beds, and humps—any structure that provides a shaded place for fish to feed.

Fall

Our favorite time of the year is the fall fishing season. Nearly every species becomes more aggressive as they gorge themselves in preparation for the long winter ahead. Just remember one thing: Hang onto your line with both hands, because when they hit that lure, you're going to have a fight on your hands!