Thomson Reservoir
About Thomson Reservoir
Thomson Reservoir is a 390-acre reservoir near Thomson in Carlton County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 21 Carlton County lakes in this directory.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and channel catfish. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2002.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Thomson Reservoir
- 390 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Thomson
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and channel catfish
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 390 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.7 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 283 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
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2002
- 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 Thomson Reservoir
Compare Thomson Reservoir against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Venoah Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Carlton110 acres
4 miles away
Chub Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Carlton313 acres
4.3 miles away
Hay Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Wrenshall140 acres
5.8 miles away
Bob Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Sawyer77 acres
10.3 miles away
Big Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Sawyer526 acres
10.9 miles away
Sand Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum128 acres
11.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thomson Reservoir?
Thomson Reservoir is in Carlton County, Minnesota, near Thomson. It covers 390 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Thomson Reservoir?
Thomson Reservoir covers 390 acres with about 10.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Thomson Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Thomson Reservoir?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Thomson Reservoir?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Thomson Reservoir. 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 Thomson Reservoir stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Thomson Reservoir; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.