Cowdry Lake
About Cowdry Lake
Cowdry Lake is a 243-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 52 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 25 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 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 18, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cowdry Lake
- 243 acres, up to 52 feet deep, near Alexandria
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 14.6 feet — very clear
- 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
- 243 acres
- Max depth
- 52 ft
- Average depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 86 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 10
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 13, 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 Cowdry Lake
Compare Cowdry Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Cowdry Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Brophy Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria297 acres
1.3 miles away
North Union Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria118 acres
1.3 miles away
Lake Winona
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria213 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Darling
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria1,050 acres
1.7 miles away
Lake Latoka
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria767 acres
2 miles away
Lake Henry
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria152 acres
2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cowdry Lake?
Cowdry Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 243 acres and reaches 52 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cowdry Lake?
Cowdry Lake covers 243 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 52 feet and its average depth is about 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cowdry Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cowdry Lake?
Yes. Cowdry Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cowdry Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cowdry 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 Cowdry Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cowdry Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Cowdry Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Cowdry Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cowdry 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.