Leighton Lake
About Leighton Lake
Leighton Lake is a 245-acre lake near Cohasset in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 30 feet, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Leighton Lake
- 245 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Cohasset
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 14 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 245 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Average depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 14 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 78 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Leighton Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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Little Rice Lake
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Rice Lake
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Little Vermillion Lake
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Guile Lake
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4.7 miles away
Siseebakwet Lake
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4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Leighton Lake?
Leighton Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. It covers 245 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Leighton Lake?
Leighton Lake covers 245 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet and its average depth is about 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Leighton Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Leighton Lake?
Yes. Leighton Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Leighton Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Leighton 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 Leighton Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Leighton Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.