Thole Lake
About Thole Lake
Thole Lake is an 119-acre lake near Shakopee in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Thole Lake
- 119 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Shakopee
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 119 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 119 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)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 Thole Lake
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Nearby Lakes
O'Dowd Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee301 acres
0.9 miles away
Gifford Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Carver119 acres
3.6 miles away
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
4.1 miles away
Upper Prior Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood386 acres
4.6 miles away
Lower Prior Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood956 acres
6.1 miles away
Lake Riley
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen296 acres
6.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thole Lake?
Thole Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Shakopee. It covers 119 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Thole Lake?
Thole Lake covers 119 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Thole Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Thole Lake?
Yes. Thole Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Thole Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Thole 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 Thole Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Thole Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Thole Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Thole Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.