Thornton Lake
About Thornton Lake
Thornton Lake is a 161-acre lake near Deerwood (Crow Wing) in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2009.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Thornton Lake
- 161 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Deerwood (Crow Wing)
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 161 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 161 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2009
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Thornton Lake
Compare Thornton Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Townline Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin114 acres
0.7 miles away
Sunset Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin221 acres
1.4 miles away
Shirt Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)231 acres
2.2 miles away
Farm Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Bennettville2,005 acres
2.4 miles away
Little Pine Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin226 acres
2.5 miles away
Cedar Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin1,726 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thornton Lake?
Thornton Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Deerwood (Crow Wing). It covers 161 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Thornton Lake?
Thornton Lake covers 161 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Thornton Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Thornton Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Thornton Lake.
Can you swim at Thornton Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Thornton Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Thornton Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Thornton Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.