Thistledew Lake

Thistledew Lake is a lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. Thistledew Lake covers about 321 acres, reaches a recorded 45 feet and holds about 7,101 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Thistledew Lake Affect Fishing

Thistledew Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Thistledew Lake

Fish reported from Thistledew Lake include black crappie, blackchin shiner, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, brook stickleback, brown bullhead, golden shiner, iowa darter, johnny darter, largemouth bass, mimic shiner, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, spottail shiner, walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Thistledew, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth, and work a tube, Ned rig or small crankbait across rock and firm points for smallmouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Thistledew, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Thistledew, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Thistledew, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Bullheads

For bottom fishing at Thistledew, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.

Rock Bass

At Thistledew, use a small jig, worm or tiny crankbait around rock and firm shorelines for rock bass.

How the Seasons Change Thistledew Lake

Spring at Thistledew is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Thistledew can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Thistledew Lake

On a first trip to Thistledew, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Thistledew Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Thistledew, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Thistledew Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 321-acre Thistledew Lake?

At Thistledew, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 45-foot deep end of Thistledew Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Thistledew is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 7,101 acre-foot storage figure mean at Thistledew Lake?

At Thistledew, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.