Cokato Lake
About Cokato Lake
Cokato Lake is a 553-acre lake near Cokato in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 52 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 22 feet, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 Cokato Lake
- 553 acres, up to 52 feet deep, near Cokato
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3.2 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
- 553 acres
- Max depth
- 52 ft
- Average depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 184 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
- 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 Cokato Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Brooks Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Cokato100 acres
2.3 miles away
Mud Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Albright57 acres
3 miles away
Smith Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Smith Lake244 acres
3.1 miles away
Camp Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Maple Lake123 acres
5.1 miles away
Howard Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Howard Lake745 acres
5.5 miles away
Big Swan Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kingston684 acres
5.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cokato Lake?
Cokato Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Cokato. It covers 553 acres and reaches 52 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cokato Lake?
Cokato Lake covers 553 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 52 feet and its average depth is about 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cokato Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cokato Lake?
Yes. Cokato Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cokato Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cokato 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 Cokato Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cokato Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.