Tom Lake

How big is Tom Lake?

How deep is Tom Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Tom Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Tom Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Tom Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Tom Lake

Are there boat launches on Tom Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Tom Lake?

Tom Lake is located approximately 17 miles northeast of the City of Grand Marais. There is a DNR-owned public access located on the northwest side of the lake off Brumbaugh Road with parking for six vehicles. Tom Lake is an ecological class 6 lake, which is characterized by very irregular shorelines, moderate littoral coverage, and very soft (unmineralized) tannin-stained water. Walleye are the primary management species for Tom Lake, and were introduced into the lake in 1935 and stocked with some regularity until 1990. The 2016 survey was the second of two scheduled in the 2007 lake management plan to monitor the status of the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.

Walleye were fairly abundant in Tom Lake in 2016, and were present in a wide range of sizes including a few larger fish. The Walleye gill net catch was similar to past catches in this lake, and was comparable to median gill net catches for other Class 6 lakes in northeast Minnesota. The mean weight for Walleye sampled in gill nets fell within the normal range for the lake class, and was similar to past results from Tom Lake as well. Past trap net catches of Walleye in Tom Lake have been high compared to other lakes in this class. The 2016 Walleye trap net catch was also well above average for the lake class, and comprised a majority of the total Walleye catch in this survey. A large proportion of the Walleye sampled in trap nets were small resulting in a low mean weight. Fourteen year classes of Walleye, all naturally produced, contributed to the total catch. Fish of one to four years of age dominated the 2016 sample, with strong year classes apparently produced in 2012 and 2013. Growth rates of Walleye sampled in 2016 had been about average; four-year-old fish reached a mean length of 12.3 inches at the end of their fourth year, compared to an area average of 12.7 inches.

The 2016 survey was the first since 1982 where no Northern Pike were sampled. Survey results since 1990 had shown a declining trend in net catches of Northern Pike in Tom Lake, with the previous survey (2013) sampling just a single fish. Reasons for this decline haven't been documented, but it may be related to a loss of spawning habitat or competition with Walleye.

Lake Whitefish and Burbot represent the coldwater fish community in Tom Lake. The 2016 gill net catch and mean weight of sampled Lake Whitefish both fell within the normal range for Class 6 lakes that support this species. No aging structures were collected from Lake Whitefish during this survey; however, the length frequency distribution suggested that at least three year classes contributed to the catch. Similar to past surveys, Burbot were sampled in low numbers in 2016 with a few larger fish included in the sample.

Yellow Perch and White Sucker are the primary forage species in Tom Lake. Catches of Yellow Perch in gill nets and trap nets in 2016 were the highest recorded to date for Tom Lake, and were well above average for Class 6 lakes. The lengths of Yellow Perch were well distributed, including a sizable proportion of fish 8 inches or longer. The catch of White Sucker in gill nets fell into normal range for the lake class, but was above average for trap nets. Both gear types sampled White Sucker small enough to serve as forage for large predators. Creek Chub, which were sampled in multiple trap nets, may also contribute to the prey base.

Anglers and boaters are reminded to review the recommended actions for cleaning watercraft and gear before and after accessing a waterbody, and to adhere to all Minnesota aquatic invasive species laws to protect Minnesota lakes and rivers from additional infestations.

Are there any state parks near Tom Lake?