Pelican Lake vs Cottonwood Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Grant County, Minnesota, side by side.
Pelican Lake is the larger of the two at 3,761 acres against 255 for Cottonwood Lake. On our rankings, Pelican Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Pelican Lake comes out ahead for boating, Pelican Lake comes out ahead for camping, Cottonwood Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Pelican Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Pelican Lake | Cottonwood Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 61 / 100 | 54 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Ashby | Donnelly |
| Surface area | 3,761 acres | 255 acres |
| Max depth | 21 ft | 16 ft |
| Shoreline | 27.8 mi | 2.3 mi |
| Water clarity | 2.5 ft | 10.4 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 17 | 6 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie | 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…
- FishingPelican Lake
- BoatingPelican Lake
- CampingPelican Lake
- PaddlingCottonwood Lake
- Ice FishingPelican Lake
The lakes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Pelican Lake or Cottonwood Lake?
Pelican Lake is bigger at 3,761 acres; Cottonwood Lake covers 255 acres.
Which is deeper, Pelican Lake or Cottonwood Lake?
Pelican Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 21 feet against 16 feet.
Is Pelican Lake or Cottonwood Lake better for fishing?
Pelican Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Pelican Lake lists 17 species and Cottonwood Lake lists 6.