Thistledew Lake
About Thistledew Lake
Thistledew Lake is a 326-acre lake near Togo in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.2 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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 (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Thistledew Campground and Day-Use Area is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Thistledew Lake
- 326 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Togo
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — 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 16.2 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Thistledew Campground and Day-Use Area
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 326 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 73 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 (asphalt)
- Camping: Thistledew Campground and Day-Use Area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Thistledew Campground and Day-Use Area is mapped on or near Thistledew Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Thistledew Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Mirror Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo109 acres
1.7 miles away
Five Island Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie214 acres
4.1 miles away
Buttonbox Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo81 acres
4.9 miles away
Battle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie243 acres
5.2 miles away
Pickerel Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie241 acres
5.8 miles away
Wilson Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo92 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thistledew Lake?
Thistledew Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. It covers 326 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Thistledew Lake?
Thistledew Lake covers 326 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Thistledew Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Thistledew Lake?
Yes. Thistledew Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Thistledew Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Thistledew 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 Thistledew Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Thistledew Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Thistledew Lake?
Yes. Thistledew Campground and Day-Use Area is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.