Cottonwood Lake
About Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake is a 155-acre lake near Windom in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city.
Plan Your Visit to Cottonwood Lake
- 155 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Windom
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 1.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 155 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 155 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- 2024
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cottonwood Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Fish Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Windom297 acres
3.5 miles away
Bingham Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCottonwood · Bingham Lake270 acres
3.9 miles away
String Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCottonwood · Wilder336 acres
5.1 miles away
Eagle Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCottonwood · Mountain Lake105 acres
6.7 miles away
Timber Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Windom191 acres
7.1 miles away
Lake Independence
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson99 acres
8.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, near Windom. It covers 155 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake covers 155 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cottonwood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cottonwood Lake?
Yes. Cottonwood Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cottonwood Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cottonwood Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.