Lightning Lake vs Cottonwood Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Grant County, Minnesota, side by side.
Lightning Lake is the larger of the two at 541 acres against 255 for Cottonwood Lake. On our rankings, Lightning Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Lightning Lake comes out ahead for boating, Lightning Lake comes out ahead for camping, Cottonwood Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Lightning Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Lightning Lake | Cottonwood Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 56 / 100 | 54 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Wendell | Donnelly |
| Surface area | 541 acres | 255 acres |
| Max depth | 11 ft | 16 ft |
| Shoreline | 4.9 mi | 2.3 mi |
| Water clarity | 2.3 ft | 10.4 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 10 | 6 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | No |
| Swim beach | No | No |
| Camping | Yes | No |
| Invasive species | None listed | None listed |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingLightning Lake
- BoatingLightning Lake
- CampingLightning Lake
- PaddlingCottonwood Lake
- Ice FishingLightning Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Lightning Lake or Cottonwood Lake?
Lightning Lake is bigger at 541 acres; Cottonwood Lake covers 255 acres.
Which is deeper, Lightning Lake or Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 16 feet against 11 feet.
Is Lightning Lake or Cottonwood Lake better for fishing?
Lightning Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Lightning Lake lists 10 species and Cottonwood Lake lists 6.