Thunder

Cass County, Minnesota — DOW #11006200

221 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

Thunder has confirmed populations of:

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

1,346.87
Acres
95 ft
Max Depth
37 ft
Mean Depth
17
Fish Species
25
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Thunder. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 1.62 lb 10
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 10.7 13
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 15.6 7
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 1.0 2
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.4 3
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.43 lb 6
2012-06-18 Standard electrofishing 110.8 1.49 lb 157
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 1.13 lb 8
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 1.07 lb 3
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 0.75 lb 1
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 0.60 lb 2
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.40 lb 2
2000-06-12 Special electrofishing 7.9 0.87 lb 25
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 1.79 lb 1
2000-06-12 Survey seining 0.3 2
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.11 lb 6

Logperch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 2.2 1
2000-06-12 Survey seining 1.3 8

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 0.5 1
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 7.9 55
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 3.5 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.18 lb 39
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 33.4 (above normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.08 lb 401
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 12.3 15
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 262.2 118
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 4.1 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.16 lb 61
1995-06-19 Survey seining 1.7 10
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 10.9 (normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.15 lb 131
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 41.1 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.13 lb 411
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 26.8 (above normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.21 lb 321
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 12.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.18 lb 144
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 25.1 (above normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.13 lb 301
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 32.7 (above normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.07 lb 392
2000-06-12 Survey seining 49.7 298
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 6.7 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.14 lb 101

Burbot

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.4 1.75 lb 1
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 2.2 1

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.3 2
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.69 lb 4
2012-06-18 Standard electrofishing 316.2 0.11 lb 448
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 7.8 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.5 1.90 lb 94
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 8.9 4
2017-09-11 Fall electrofishing 7.9 0.69 lb 7
2022-10-19 Fall electrofishing 32.5 0.56 lb 65
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 7.7 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.5 1.83 lb 92
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.73 lb 6
2023-09-13 Fall electrofishing 6.2 0.29 lb 12
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 5.8 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.5 1.59 lb 69
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 1.2 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.7 2.71 lb 12
2015-09-21 Special electrofishing 18.8 0.36 lb 17
2016-09-12 Special electrofishing 14.8 0.53 lb 14
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 3.4 (normal) 1.3 – 5.5 2.15 lb 41
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.47 lb 6
2000-06-12 Special electrofishing 33.9 0.21 lb 107
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 6.3 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.5 1.54 lb 76
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.35 lb 10
2000-06-12 Standard electrofishing 17.3 0.40 lb 30

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 6.7 3
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.0 3.85 lb 1
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.4 2.41 lb 1
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.4 4.48 lb 1
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.0 5.83 lb 3
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.4 0.30 lb 1
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.0 4.00 lb 3
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.4 – 1.0 4.64 lb 5
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.5 (above normal) 0.1 – 0.4 4.11 lb 6
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.0 4.09 lb 5

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 0.5 1
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.7 5
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 15.6 19
2000-06-12 Survey seining 0.3 2

BKF

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 5.4 38
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 19.7 24
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 8.9 4
2000-06-12 Survey seining 1.5 9

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 4.1 5
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 8.9 4

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 25.4 31
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 20.0 9
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 2.0 4
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 4.6 32

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.6 0.38 lb 7
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 2.2 1
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 2.5 0.30 lb 27
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.6 0.04 lb 7
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 2.7 0.15 lb 40
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 0.5 0.09 lb 5
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 0.10 lb 1
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 0.26 lb 2
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 2.2 0.24 lb 33

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 6.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.0 0.44 lb 72
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 4.1 5
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 13.3 6
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 4.8 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.30 lb 53
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 6.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.0 0.27 lb 77
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 11.9 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.21 lb 178
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 1.9 (normal) 0.3 – 2.0 0.33 lb 23
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 12.4 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.31 lb 124
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 0.3 – 2.0 0.33 lb 22
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 17.1 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.30 lb 205
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 9.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.0 0.33 lb 117
2000-06-12 Survey seining 0.3 2
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 11.9 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.19 lb 178

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 35.1 (normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.09 lb 386
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 4.3 0.14 lb 52
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 18.1 22
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 126.7 57
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 3.5 7
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 7.9 55
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 1.3 0.07 lb 15
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 50.1 (above normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.12 lb 752
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 0.10 lb 1
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 8.0 (normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.32 lb 80
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.4 0.18 lb 5
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 26.9 (normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.17 lb 323
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 1.8 0.15 lb 22
2000-06-12 Survey seining 19.8 119
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 55.0 (above normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.05 lb 825

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 4.3 (above normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.27 lb 47
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.15 lb 7
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.05 lb 2
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.34 lb 3
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.25 lb 1
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 3.2 (normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.27 lb 32
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.28 lb 15
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.40 lb 10
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.26 lb 14

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.1 1
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 1.1 8
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 17.2 21
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 1.0 2

Tadpole Madtom

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 1.6 2
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 2.2 1
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.1 1

Smallmouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.9 6
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.4 2.82 lb 1
2012-06-18 Standard electrofishing 29.6 2.23 lb 42
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 2.8 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.0 2.41 lb 34
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 9.8 12
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 1.0 2
1995-06-19 Survey seining 0.8 5
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 2.03 lb 5
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.1 – 0.4 0.92 lb 5
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 0.92 lb 3
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.1 – 0.4 0.23 lb 2
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.3 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.0 2.30 lb 16
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.7 (above normal) 0.1 – 0.4 0.93 lb 8
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.1 – 0.4 0.34 lb 4
2000-06-12 Standard electrofishing 6.3 0.32 lb 11
2000-06-12 Special electrofishing 8.6 1.02 lb 27
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 1.5 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.0 1.78 lb 18
2000-06-12 Survey seining 1.0 6

Spottail Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 4.4 2

Mimic Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 11.7 82
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 30.4 37
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 4.4 2

Common Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 11.1 5
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 3.0 21
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.4 0.08 lb 6
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.2 0.07 lb 3

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 2.5 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 1.79 lb 30
2012-06-18 Special electrofishing 8.9 4
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 4.3 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.5 1.75 lb 52
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 1.45 lb 39
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 2.92 lb 6
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 4.4 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.5 2.62 lb 53
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 1.73 lb 3
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.0 1.65 lb 1
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 3.1 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 2.00 lb 37

Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 4.9 6
2012-06-18 15-ft beach seine 3.5 7

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.2 0.79 lb 2
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.5 0.69 lb 1
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 2.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.5 0.36 lb 27
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 2.2 0.25 lb 6

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 2.5 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.17 lb 28
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 1.8 0.11 lb 21
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.22 lb 3
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.11 lb 34
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.10 lb 4
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 2.4 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.17 lb 24
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.4 0.22 lb 5
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 6.8 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.22 lb 82
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.5 0.08 lb 6
2000-06-12 Survey seining 0.5 3
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 3.7 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.12 lb 55

BNS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 50-ft beach seine 0.3 2

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 1.1 (below normal) 3.1 – 8.5 5.07 lb 13
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 2.5 3
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 2.4 (below normal) 3.1 – 8.5 3.26 lb 29
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 1.8 (below normal) 3.1 – 8.5 3.67 lb 21
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.4 (below normal) 3.1 – 8.5 4.07 lb 17
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 2.0 (below normal) 3.1 – 8.5 3.88 lb 24
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 0.31 lb 1

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.87 lb 1
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 0.9 – 10.0 1.01 lb 10
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 4.1 5
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.9 – 10.0 0.71 lb 7
1995-06-19 Standard trap nets 3.2 (normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.62 lb 48
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.9 – 10.0 0.50 lb 5
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 6.2 (normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.65 lb 62
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 0.9 – 10.0 1.24 lb 20
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 2.8 (normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.98 lb 34
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.86 lb 5
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.9 – 10.0 1.58 lb 2

BIB

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard trap nets 1.4 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.5 14.35 lb 16

Mottled Sculpin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-18 Backpack electrofishing 2.5 3

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2012-06-18 Standard gill nets 3.2 (normal) 0.7 – 6.5 1.29 lb 38
1995-06-19 Standard gill nets 10.2 (above normal) 0.7 – 6.5 0.92 lb 122
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 7.2 (above normal) 0.7 – 6.5 0.77 lb 86
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 16.3 (above normal) 0.7 – 6.5 1.25 lb 196
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 0.7 – 6.5 0.81 lb 39

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1985-06-24 Standard trap nets 9.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.8 0.27 lb 97
1985-06-24 Standard gill nets 2.2 (normal) 0.6 – 9.5 0.26 lb 26
1990-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.8 0.80 lb 1

LKW

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.7 9.00 lb 1
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.1 – 0.7 1.67 lb 1

OTM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2000-06-12 Survey seining 119.2 715

Green Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.4 0.03 lb 1

Shorthead Redhorse

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 3.9 3.97 lb 2

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

Resorts & Lodges Near Thunder

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Thunder.

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Thunder. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Brown BullheadBurbotHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassShorthead RedhorseSmallmouth BassTullibee (Cisco)WalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Thunder

View all 25 guides →

Other Lakes in Cass County

Plan Your Trip to Thunder

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.