Thistledew Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. DNR lake ID 31015800.
Thistledew Lake is a 325.9-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. Its deepest point reaches 45 ft, and about 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 21.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Thistledew Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31015800 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Togo |
| Surface area | 325.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 45 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 22% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 21.2 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 5.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 1.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 21.2 ft, phosphorus 5.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 1.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Thistledew Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Thistledew Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.89 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.0 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.11 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.78 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.78 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.22 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 24.0 in (2020), Northern pike 31.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2020), Smallmouth bass 18.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Thistledew Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 5 mi S of Togo on Mn Hwy 65, then 3.5 mi W on Cnty Rd 551 to NE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Moose Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Mirror Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Spring Lake 3.6 mi, Itasca County
- Tank Lake 3.9 mi, Itasca County
- Five Island Lake 4.1 mi, Itasca County
- Buttonbox Lake 4.8 mi, Itasca County
- Battle Lake 5.2 mi, Itasca County
- Pickerel Lake 5.8 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Thistledew Lake
How deep is Thistledew Lake?
Thistledew Lake reaches a maximum depth of 45 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Thistledew Lake?
Thistledew Lake covers about 325.9 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Thistledew Lake?
Summer water clarity on Thistledew Lake averages 21.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Thistledew Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Thistledew Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Thistledew Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Thistledew Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Thistledew Lake?
Thistledew Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Thistledew Lake.
How is the walleye population on Thistledew Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2020, walleye numbers on Thistledew Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Thistledew Lake?
Homes on Thistledew Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Thistledew Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Thistledew Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 22% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 21.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Thistledew Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Thistledew Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Thistledew Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.