The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Cottonwood Lake
Roberts County, South Dakota · about 1,980 acres (3.1 sq mi)
39°F water, calm this morning.
About Cottonwood Lake
In Roberts County, South Dakota, Cottonwood Lake covers about 1,980 acres.
It stretches about 7.3 miles end to end with roughly 18.3 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,030 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Sisseton, is about 10 miles southwest. The closest city is Fargo, about 70 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,980 acres (3.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 18.3 miles
- End to end
- About 7.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,030 ft
- County
- Roberts County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 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
Expect the usual South Dakota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 39°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.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 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 7:24 am · sunset 4:57 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Cottonwood Lake
- Sissetonabout 10 mi southwest
- Wheatonabout 15 mi east
- Wahpetonabout 30 mi north
- Breckenridgeabout 30 mi north
- Fargonearest city, about 70 mi north
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Cottonwood Lake
What fish are in Cottonwood Lake?
Lakes like Cottonwood Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. 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 1,980 acres, with about 18.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Cottonwood Lake?
Sisseton is about 10 miles southwest; Wheaton is about 15 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Cottonwood Lake today?
The surface was about 39°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.
