Thistledew Lake

How big is Thistledew Lake?

How deep is Thistledew Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Thistledew Lake?

Are there boat launches on Thistledew Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Thistledew Lake?

Thistledew Lake is located 5 miles southwest of Togo MN, and within the Little Fork River Watershed. The lake is entirely within Thistledew game refuge and development is very low with one state owned campground on the north end and a boys' camp on the east side. The 318 acre lake has 73 littoral acres and a 45 foot max depth. A state access is located on the northeast shore of the lake with parking available for six rigs.

Walleye, a primary management species, were sampled at a rate of 2.9/gill net, similar to the lake class average, yet lower than the management goal of 5.0/net and the previous assessment (7.3/net). Catch per unit effort was down from the previous three assessments which exceeded the expected range, but more similar to earlier catches. Thistledew was part of a statewide stocking evaluation project (Study #635) during the period of high catch rates in which fryling were stocked at a rate of 150/littoral acre compared to a historical fry stocking rate of 1,000/surface acre. Lengths ranged from 8.0 to 25.6 inches with an average length of 18 inches, which is similar to the 2008 average length of 17.3 inches. Size structure appears favorable and similar to previous assessments. Scale and bone analysis identified 9 age classes with fish from age 1 to 12 present. Natural reproduction appears capable of maintaining a walleye fishery as 81% of the sample corresponded to non-stocked years. The 2007 year class was well represented, comprising 26% of the aged sample. Stocking has not occurred since 2005. Back calculated length-at-age indicated growth was similar to the statewide average for all ages. Walleye averaged nearly 17 inches by age 4.

Northern pike were sampled at a rate of 1.9/gill net, below the expected range. Previous assessments have typically sampled pike below the lake class average. Lengths ranged from 19.3 to 34.2 inches with an average length of 24.6 inches. Size structure was moderate with 41% of the sample exceeding 24 inches. Scale and bone analysis identified ages 2 through 6 present in the sample suggesting relatively consistent recruitment. Back-calculated length-at-age determined growth was similar to the statewide average. Northern pike typically exceeded 24 inches by age 5.

Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 0.8/trap net, within the expected range while the gill net sample (0.1/net) was lower than expected. Previous catch rates have typically been inconsistent and variable. Scale analysis identified one year class present in the sample (age 1) with an average length of 4.8 inches, suggesting a successful 2010 spawn.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 7.4/trap net. Historically, catches have varied from 1.3 to 28.8 per trap net. Lengths ranged from 3.2 to 7.8 inches with mean length of 5.7 inches. Size structure was relatively poor with 25% of the sample exceeding seven inches and no fish above eight inches.

Yellow perch were sampled at a rate of 4.4/gill net, near the lake class average, and slightly down from 9.2/gill net during the previous assessment. Lengths ranged from 5.6 to 9.1 inches with an average length of 7.0 inches.

Other species sampled in test netting included largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, and white sucker. As part of IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) near shore sampling, Johnny darter, black crappie, blackchin shiner, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, brook stickleback, golden shiner, largemouth bass, and yellow perch were sampled in 10 seine hauls. Backpack electrofishing sampled Iowa darter, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, and yellow perch in 10 stations.

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Are there any state parks near Thistledew Lake?