Thunderbird Lake

How big is Thunderbird Lake?

How deep is Thunderbird Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Thunderbird Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Thunderbird Lake?

Thunderbird Lake is characterized as a lake class 13 lake and is located nine miles west and three miles north of Schroeder in the Superior National Forest in the Lake Superior watershed. Public access is a carry-in on the northeast corner of the lake, from the trailhead off of Thunder Road, then northwest 0.75 miles on the user developed trail across federal and state land. This trail is suitable for ATV and foot traffic only. The lake is 96.7 acres, 91% littoral with a maximum depth of 18 feet and a Secchi disc reading of four feet in brown bog stained water. Rubble and gravel were "common" shoreline substrates, with boulder, sand, muck and detritus rated "rare". Vegetation was found to a maximum depth of six feet, 30 species/groups of aquatic vegetation were identified with horsetail rated "common" and all others rated "rare". The majority of plants identified were emergent and bog species. Two inlets enter the lake. Moose Creek originates in Shoepack Lake. An unnamed Creek is along the northeast shore and originates in Bonanza Lake. Moose Creek is the outlet and exits the lake along the south shore. Two designated campsites are on the lake. One is northeast of the outlet about halfway to the point, has many down trees and looks as though it hasn't been used in quite a long time. The other is along the northwest shore about 30 yards north of the portage trail to Shoepack Lake and is neat and well used.

The 2013 Walleye gill net catch of 9/gillnet lift was higher than average for lake class 13. Average weight was 0.78 pounds which is below average, and was heavily influenced by a strong age-3 year class which comprised 53% of the catch. The lake is stocked with fingerlings two consecutive years out of four. The contribution from stocking of this year class is uncertain, since strong non-stocked year classes have been documented in the past. Three fish in the catch were near 25 inches with the largest 25.3 inches and 6.2 pounds. Past assessments revealed similar results of high catch with small average size. The 2013 catch was comprised of 26% from non-stocked years. In 2008, 66% were from non-stocked years, 2003 contained 21% and 1995 11% from non-stocked years. In 2013 all Walleyes greater than 12 inches scales and otoliths were sampled, making age data as accurate as possible. Of twelve year classes identified, seven were from non-stocked years. Growth of Walleyes in Thunderbird Lake is slower than average compared to other lakes in the Finland Area.

The Northern Pike catch of 0.5/gillnet lift was below average for the lake class. Average weight was 3.12 pounds which is larger than average. Historical catch has revealed similar results of very low numbers with large average size. Growth of Northern Pike in Thunderbird Lake is faster than average by area standards.

Yellow Perch catch of 1.17/gillnet lift was below average, with an average weight of 0.19 pounds which is larger than average for the lake class. Yellow Perch catch rates and sizes have ranged in past assessments. Growth of Yellow Perch in Thunderbird Lake is faster than the Finland Area average.

White Sucker catch of 12.17/gillnet lift was above average for the lake class, and the lowest catch recorded in past assessments. The average weight of 1.37 pounds is slightly smaller than average for the lake class.

Thunderbird Lake is known by local anglers as a decent Walleye lake with a somewhat small average size and some occasional large fish present. Hammerhandle Northern Pike are not a problem in this lake with a few large fish taken. The appeal with its main clientele is in its remote location and difficult access, making Thunderbird Lake a BWCA-experience without the need for a permit or restrictive regulations.

What is the average air temp for Thunderbird Lake?

Are there any state parks near Thunderbird Lake?