Cadotte Lake
About Cadotte Lake
Cadotte Lake is a 294-acre lake near Fairbanks in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Cadotte Lake Recreation Area is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cadotte Lake
- 294 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Fairbanks
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 10.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Cadotte Lake Recreation Area
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 294 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 230 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Cadotte Lake Recreation Area
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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
- April 23
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- April 14, 2005
- Latest
- May 4, 2008
- Most recent
- April 23, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Cadotte Lake Recreation Area is mapped on or near Cadotte 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 Cadotte Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bassett Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fairbanks403 acres
0.7 miles away
Salo Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Two Harbors141 acres
5.1 miles away
Otto Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Hornby154 acres
5.2 miles away
Murphy Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Bay113 acres
7.2 miles away
Wolf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Two Harbors456 acres
7.2 miles away
Indian Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Two Harbors57 acres
7.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cadotte Lake?
Cadotte Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Fairbanks. It covers 294 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cadotte Lake?
Cadotte Lake covers 294 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cadotte Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cadotte Lake?
Yes. Cadotte Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cadotte Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Cadotte Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Cadotte Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Cadotte Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 14, 2005 and the latest is May 4, 2008.
Can you camp at Cadotte Lake?
Yes. Cadotte Lake Recreation Area is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.