Constructed in 1930 alongside a dam by the Silver Lake Irrigation District, Thompson Reservoir spans roughly 1800 acres and can hold 7750 acre-feet of water.

Due to the extreme water fluctuations from reservoir operations, macrophytes are scarce.

The reservoir itself is located within the National Forest, but half of the shoreline is held by private owners.

The dominant fish species is the tui chub and its high population has resulted in a decline of rainbow trout.

Due to the overpopulation of "rough fish", the camping facilities are not heavily used.