Little Cormorant Lake
About Little Cormorant Lake
Little Cormorant Lake is a 1,067-acre lake near Audubon in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 24.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. Special fishing regulations apply to black crappie, sunfish, and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Cormorant Lake
- 1,067 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Audubon
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.4 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,067 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 24.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 619 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black Crappie: Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: Minimum size limit 17".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 22, 2012
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 5, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Cormorant Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Leif Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon521 acres
1.5 miles away
Marshall Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon191 acres
2.3 miles away
Big Cormorant Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon3,657 acres
3.7 miles away
Pearl Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes280 acres
4.2 miles away
Maud Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon517 acres
4.4 miles away
Boyer Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park438 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Cormorant Lake?
Little Cormorant Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Audubon. It covers 1,067 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Cormorant Lake?
Little Cormorant Lake covers 1,067 acres with about 24.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Cormorant Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Cormorant Lake?
Yes. Little Cormorant Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Cormorant Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little Cormorant 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 Little Cormorant Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Cormorant Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Cormorant Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five. Daily limit five. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Little Cormorant Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 22, 2012 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Does Little Cormorant Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little Cormorant Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.