Cottonwood Lake
About Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake is a 133-acre lake near Suomi in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Cottonwood Lake is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Cottonwood Lake
- 133 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Suomi
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 8 feet
- Camping close to the water at Cottonwood Lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 133 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 55 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)
- Camping: Cottonwood Lake
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- 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
Cottonwood Lake is mapped on or near Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Fawn Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi190 acres
1 miles away
Island Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River285 acres
1.2 miles away
Moose Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River1,273 acres
2.3 miles away
Little Moose Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids289 acres
2.4 miles away
Amen Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi215 acres
3 miles away
Orange Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell104 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Suomi. It covers 133 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake covers 133 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cottonwood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Cottonwood Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Cottonwood Lake?
Yes. Cottonwood Lake is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.