Bowstring River

Bowstring Lake is located within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and is part of a chain of lakes on the Bowstring River. The lake is often windswept and can be rough. While fishing is generally best on the windward shore, the leeward side is safer during periods of high wind. Fishing pressure on Bowstring is heavy in spring, but only moderate during summer because of its proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish. Bowstring has abundant wild rice beds, but harvesting is restricted to Leech Lake Indian tribal members. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has fish consumption advisories on walleye and northern pike. Check state advisory publication for details. Sand Lake is located within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and the Chippewa National Forest. It is part of a chain of lakes on the Bowstring River. Like Bowstring, Sand Lake can also become windswept and rough.

Bowstring Lake - Perch, mimic shiner and Spottail shiner are the most important forage species. White sucker, redhorse, common shiner, golden shiner, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow and tullibee are also utilized.Sand Lake - Perch and Spottail shiner are the primary forage species. Blacknose shiner, common shiner, golden shiner, bluntnose minnow, white sucker, Johnny darter and tullibee (cisco) are also present.