LakeScope Reports Get the app

The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Thief Lake

Marshall County, Minnesota · about 6,500 acres (10.2 sq mi)

39°F water, calm this morning.

Water39°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today8 mphSE
Best bite3:15 pmto 5:00 pm

About Thief Lake

Thief Lake spreads over about 6,500 acres in Marshall County, Minnesota.

It stretches about 5 miles end to end with roughly 13.3 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,160 ft above sea level. Roseau is about 24 miles north. The closest city is Grand Forks, about 63 miles away.

Size
About 6,500 acres (10.2 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 13.3 miles
End to end
About 5 miles
Elevation
About 1,160 ft
County
Marshall County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
  • 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph

Saturday Good

  • 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
  • 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish to expect

For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 39°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Fair
    Walleye

    Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.

  • Fair
    Northern pike

    Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Fair
    Yellow perch

    Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.

  • Slow
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Upper arm

    The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

39°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Friday 35° / —° 8 mph SE Sunny
Saturday 39° / 22° 12 mph SSE Partly Sunny
Sunday 45° / 28° 17 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:28 am · sunset 4:46 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Thief Lake

  • Roseauabout 24 mi north
  • Thief River Fallsabout 27 mi southwest
  • Grand Forksnearest city, about 63 mi southwest

Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Questions about Thief Lake

What fish are in Thief Lake?

Lakes like Thief Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Thief Lake?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is Thief Lake?

About 6,500 acres, with about 13.3 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Thief Lake?

Roseau is about 24 miles north; Thief River Falls is about 27 miles southwest.

What is the water temperature at Thief Lake today?

The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Thief Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

Lakes near Thief Lake

More about Minnesota lakes