Little Thunder Lake
About Little Thunder Lake
Little Thunder Lake is a 258-acre lake near Shovel Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 72 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 29 feet, and has roughly 6.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Little Thunder Lake
- 258 acres, up to 72 feet deep, near Shovel Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 9.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 258 acres
- Max depth
- 72 ft
- Average depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 81 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 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Thunder Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Big Rice Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Remer2,030 acres
3.6 miles away
Thunder Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Remer1,347 acres
5.2 miles away
Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Outing195 acres
5.8 miles away
Birch Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Remer276 acres
5.9 miles away
Little Bass Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Inguadona136 acres
6.8 miles away
Upper Trelipe Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville421 acres
8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Thunder Lake?
Little Thunder Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Shovel Lake. It covers 258 acres and reaches 72 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Thunder Lake?
Little Thunder Lake covers 258 acres with about 6.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 72 feet and its average depth is about 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Thunder Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Thunder Lake?
Yes. Little Thunder Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Thunder Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little Thunder 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 Little Thunder Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Little Thunder Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.