Thunderbird Lake
Lake County, Minnesota
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We want to see what you've caught on Thunderbird Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Thunderbird Lake, MN
- How big is Thunderbird Lake?
- How deep is Thunderbird Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Thunderbird Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Thunderbird Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Thunderbird Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Thunderbird Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Thunderbird Lake?
How big is Thunderbird Lake?
How deep is Thunderbird Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Thunderbird Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Common Shiner, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Thunderbird Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Thunderbird Lake?
Explore the Thunderbird Lake area in a RV
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History & Status of the Fishery
Thunderbird Lake is located about seven miles east and 12 miles north of Finland and is 97 acres in size with a maximum depth of 18 feet. Access is a 0.75-mile user made carry-in trail that crosses federal and state land. There is a small parking area available along Thunder Road with enough room for a vehicle or two.
Walleye are the primary management species in Thunderbird Lake and the current plan calls for fry to be stocked for two years followed by two non-stocked years.
The 2022 gill net catch of 12/lift was higher than average compared to similar lakes. Size structure was good with about a third of the catch greater than 16 inches long and an average size of 13.9 inches long and 1.15 pounds. Age analysis determined less than half the catch came from stocked years suggesting fry stocking may not be necessary. Survey results indicate the 2018 and 2019 naturally reproduced year classes currently provide anglers with good opportunities for Walleye 13-17 inches long.
Northern Pike are the secondary management species. The gill net catch was 1.8/lift with average length and weight of 27.4 inches and 4.7 pounds, which exceeded management goals. Of the 11 fish sampled only one was less than 20 inches long. The remainder of the catch was greater than 24 inches long, with two fish over 30 inches, and the largest fish sampled in 2022 measuring 35 inches long. Historically the Pike catch on Thunderbird has been low with a very nice average size.
The Yellow Perch gill net catch of 6.2/lift is average compared to other similar lakes. Most of the catch was between 6-8 inches long, with 13.5% longer than 9 inches. Thunderbird is not locally known as a big perch destination, however; a keeper or two may be mixed in while Walleye fishing.
Other important forage species sampled were Iowa and Johnny Darters, Blacknose and Common Shiners, Pearl Dace, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.
What is the average air temp for Thunderbird Lake?
Are there any state parks near Thunderbird Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Thunderbird Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Bonanza Lake | 0.6 mi | 49 | |
| Meme Lake | 0.8 mi | 12 | |
| Shoepack Lake | 1.1 mi | 49 | 11 ft |
| Crooked Lake | 1.2 mi | 272 | 18 ft |
| Ninemile Lake | 1.4 mi | 297 | 40 ft |
| Goldeneye Lake | 1.4 mi | 10 | 19 ft |
| Echo Lake | 1.6 mi | 42 | 61 ft |
| Hare Lake | 2.4 mi | 48 | 22 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.5 mi | 17 | |
| Artlip Lake | 2.6 mi | 60 | 4 ft |
