Cottonwood Lake
About Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake is a 255-acre lake near Donnelly in Grant County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth 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 Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Cottonwood Lake
- 255 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Donnelly
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 10.4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 255 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 243 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
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- 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
Graham Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Herman138 acres
5.1 miles away
Perkins Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreStevens · Donnelly518 acres
8.7 miles away
Mustinka River Flowage
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Norcross91 acres
8.9 miles away
Elk Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Hoffman207 acres
12.7 miles away
Barrett Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Barrett530 acres
12.8 miles away
Lower Elk Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Hoffman131 acres
13.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is in Grant County, Minnesota, near Donnelly. It covers 255 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake covers 255 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cottonwood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. 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 Minnesota DNR. 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.