Cotton Lake
About Cotton Lake
Cotton Lake is a 1,763-acre lake near Rochert in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cotton Lake
- 1,763 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Rochert
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,763 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 781 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 22
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- November 23, 2010
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 21, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cotton Lake
Compare Cotton Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Pickerel Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes361 acres
1.5 miles away
Perch Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes48 acres
2.4 miles away
North Tamarack Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Rochert1,442 acres
3.5 miles away
Rock Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,196 acres
4 miles away
Height of Land Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes3,795 acres
4.3 miles away
Rice Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood231 acres
5.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cotton Lake?
Cotton Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Rochert. It covers 1,763 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cotton Lake?
Cotton Lake covers 1,763 acres with about 10.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cotton Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cotton Lake?
Yes. Cotton Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cotton Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cotton Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Cotton Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cotton Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Cotton Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is November 23, 2010 and the latest is May 12, 2013.