Thunder Lake
About Thunder Lake
Thunder Lake is a 1,347-acre lake near Remer in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 95 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 37 feet, and has roughly 15.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Thunder Lake
- 1,347 acres, up to 95 feet deep, near Remer
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,347 acres
- Max depth
- 95 ft
- Average depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 226 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
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- April 13, 2015
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- May 7, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Thunder Lake
Compare Thunder Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Thunder Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Bass Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Inguadona136 acres
1.9 miles away
Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Outing195 acres
2.8 miles away
Island Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville358 acres
3.4 miles away
Upper Trelipe Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville421 acres
3.4 miles away
Big Rice Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Remer2,030 acres
3.5 miles away
Mitten Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville113 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thunder Lake?
Thunder Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Remer. It covers 1,347 acres and reaches 95 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Thunder Lake?
Thunder Lake covers 1,347 acres with about 15.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 95 feet and its average depth is about 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Thunder Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Thunder Lake?
Yes. 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 Thunder Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Thunder Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Thunder Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Thunder Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 13, 2015 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Thunder Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Thunder Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.