The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Cottonwood Lake
Mountrail County, North Dakota · about 760 acres (1.2 sq mi)
32°F water, ice 95% cover, windy Friday (21 mph SE).
About Cottonwood Lake
In Mountrail County, North Dakota, Cottonwood Lake covers about 760 acres.
From end to end it runs about 1.7 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 4.7 miles. At about 2,180 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Stanley is about 11 miles southeast.
- Size
- About 760 acres (1.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 4.7 miles
- End to end
- About 1.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,180 ft
- County
- Mountrail County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
- 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Sunday Good
- 7:15 am – 9:30 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:45 pm – 5:45 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
Lakes like Cottonwood Lake in North Dakota usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 32°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
- 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
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 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
Frozen · About 95% ice cover
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:55 am · sunset 5:13 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Cottonwood Lake
- Stanleyabout 11 mi southeast
- Tiogaabout 16 mi west
- Kenmareabout 28 mi northeast
- Bowbellsabout 30 mi northeast
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Questions about Cottonwood Lake
What fish are in Cottonwood Lake?
Lakes like Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood Lake?
About 760 acres, with about 4.7 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Cottonwood Lake?
Stanley is about 11 miles southeast; Tioga is about 16 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Cottonwood Lake today?
The surface was about 32°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Cottonwood Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
