Talcot Lake
About Talcot Lake
Talcot Lake is an 873-acre lake near Dundee in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.5 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Cottonwood County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 0.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Talcot Lake County Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Talcot Lake
- 873 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near Dundee
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 0.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Talcot Lake County Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 873 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 0.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 873 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Swim beach
- Camping: Talcot Lake County Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Talcot Lake County Campground is mapped on or near Talcot Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Talcot Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Talcot Lake?
Talcot Lake is in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, near Dundee. It covers 873 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Talcot Lake?
Talcot Lake covers 873 acres with about 8.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Talcot Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, 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 Talcot Lake?
Yes. Talcot Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Talcot Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Talcot Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Talcot Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Talcot Lake?
Yes. Talcot Lake County Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.