The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Cotton Lake
Becker County, Minnesota · about 1,760 acres (2.7 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this morning.
About Cotton Lake
In Becker County, Minnesota, Cotton Lake covers about 1,760 acres.
It stretches about 2.1 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 10.5 miles. At about 1,440 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Detroit Lakes lies about 7.3 miles to the southwest. Fargo, the nearest city, is about 51 miles west.
- Size
- About 1,760 acres (2.7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 10.5 miles
- End to end
- About 2.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,440 ft
- County
- Becker County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 43°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:23 am · sunset 4:50 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Cotton Lake
- Detroit Lakesabout 7.3 mi southwest
- Frazeeabout 9.5 mi south
- Perhamabout 19 mi south
- Pelican Rapidsabout 27 mi southwest
- Fargonearest city, about 51 mi west
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Questions about Cotton Lake
What fish are in Cotton Lake?
Lakes like Cotton Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Cotton Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Cotton Lake?
About 1,760 acres, with about 10.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Cotton Lake?
Detroit Lakes is about 7.3 miles southwest; Frazee is about 9.5 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Cotton Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Cotton Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
