Tom Lake
About Tom Lake
Tom Lake is a 404-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Tom Lake
- 404 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Hovland
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 404 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 334 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
- 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
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Tom Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Moosehorn Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland66 acres
3.1 miles away
Chester Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland52 acres
4.4 miles away
Esther Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland78 acres
4.7 miles away
Otter Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland75 acres
5.3 miles away
Swamp River Reservoir
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland165 acres
5.3 miles away
Devilfish Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland405 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tom Lake?
Tom Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 404 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Tom Lake?
Tom Lake covers 404 acres with about 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at Tom Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Tom Lake?
Yes. Tom Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Tom Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Tom 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 Tom Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Tom Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.