Fishing at Thomson Reservoir, Carlton County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Within Carlton County, Minnesota, you have Thomson Reservoir. The surface lies 1,050 feet up. It measures some 342 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The margin runs to about 5.9 miles in total. On our Carlton County list it sits near the top for size. Carlton sits 1.1 miles from here and is the nearest stop. The big place round here is Saint Paul, 124 miles distant. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Thomson Reservoir

  Surveys put the deepest water at about 30 feet. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Open biodiversity records for Carlton County list bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Thomson Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 67°F and January about 8°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Expect Thomson Reservoir to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Forbay Lake sits 2.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Thomson Reservoir locally before you travel.