Minnesota · DNR survey data
Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake covers 255 acres in Grant County, running to 16 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2024. The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for this lake, so there is no depth map here, just the survey record: what the nets held and how big it ran.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeStocked · 2025Excellent numbers10per gill net21"Typical27"Biggest
Lengths measured · 142 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 142 fish
2024Lengths measured · 101 fish
2018Lengths measured · 95 fish
2012Lengths measured · 107 fish
2008Largemouth bassJust a few13.6per hr (electrofishing)16"Typical18"Biggest
Lengths measured · 26 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 26 fish
2024Lengths measured · 6 fish
2018Only 6 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 18 fish
2008Lengths measured · 74 fish
2003Northern pikeJust a few5.5per gill net21"Typical29"Biggest
Lengths measured · 43 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 43 fish
2024Lengths measured · 3 fish
2018Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 13 fish
2012Lengths measured · 17 fish
2008No recent survey rating.
No recent survey rating.
Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear — which is why the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, the page shows presence and size only. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey. You can read every number on this page without an app or an account.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye | 1,046 fingerlings · 395 yearlings · 16 adults |
| 2023 | Walleye | 3,692 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Walleye | 2,569 fingerlings |
| 2019 | Walleye | 3,667 fingerlings |
| 2017 | Walleye | 3,645 yearlings · 106 adults |
Recent reports
Cottonwood Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Cottonwood Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Cottonwood Lake (trailer launch)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Graham Lake · 138 ac · 5.1 mi
- Pomme de Terre Lakes · 518 ac · 8.4 mi
- Elk Lake · 207 ac · 12.7 mi
- Barrett Lake · 530 ac · 12.9 mi
- Lower Elk Lake · 131 ac · 13.1 mi
- Thompson Lake · 154 ac · 14.2 mi
- Lake Charlotte · 468 ac · 15.4 mi
- Long Lake · 620 ac · 16 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for Cottonwood Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for Cottonwood Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in Cottonwood Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2024) recorded walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass.
Does Cottonwood Lake have a public access?
Yes. Cottonwood Lake has one public access site: Cottonwood Lake (trailer launch).
Is Cottonwood Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2017.
When was Cottonwood Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Cottonwood Lake in 2024, the most recent of 15 surveys on record.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .