School Grove Lake
About School Grove Lake
School Grove Lake is a 349-acre lake near Cottonwood in Lyon County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. 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, black crappie, 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to School Grove Lake
- 349 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Cottonwood
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 349 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 349 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
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to School Grove Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lady Slipper Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood286 acres
1.5 miles away
Cottonwood Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood383 acres
5.6 miles away
Tyson Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Wood Lake166 acres
5.7 miles away
Curtis Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Echo382 acres
6.7 miles away
Wood Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Wood Lake485 acres
10.1 miles away
Island Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Lynd170 acres
22.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is School Grove Lake?
School Grove Lake is in Lyon County, Minnesota, near Cottonwood. It covers 349 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is School Grove Lake?
School Grove Lake covers 349 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at School Grove Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on School Grove Lake?
Yes. School Grove Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at School Grove Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at School Grove 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 School Grove Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for School Grove Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.