Cottonwood Lake
About Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake is a 383-acre lake near Cottonwood in Lyon County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 13 Lyon County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. 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 are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. Ice typically goes out around March 21, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cottonwood Lake
- 383 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Cottonwood
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 383 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 379 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 3
- 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
- March 21
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- March 1, 2024
- Latest
- April 1, 2020
- Most recent
- March 21, 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 Cottonwood Lake
Compare Cottonwood Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Cottonwood Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Cottonwood Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Cottonwood Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Cottonwood Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lady Slipper Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood286 acres
4 miles away
School Grove Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood349 acres
5.6 miles away
Tyson Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Wood Lake166 acres
7 miles away
Wood Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Wood Lake485 acres
8.7 miles away
Curtis Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Echo382 acres
10.1 miles away
Island Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Lynd170 acres
23.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is in Lyon County, Minnesota, near Cottonwood. It covers 383 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake covers 383 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cottonwood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cottonwood Lake?
Yes. Cottonwood Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. 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.
When does the ice go out on Cottonwood Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 21, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 1, 2024 and the latest is April 1, 2020.