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
Cottonwood Lake
Spink County, South Dakota · about 1,460 acres (2.3 sq mi)
38°F water, windy Friday (15 mph SE).
About Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake spreads over about 1,460 acres in Spink County, South Dakota.
From end to end it runs about 2.2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 6.9 miles. Its surface is about 1,320 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Redfield, is about 8.4 miles northeast.
- Size
- About 1,460 acres (2.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.9 miles
- End to end
- About 2.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,320 ft
- County
- Spink County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Sunday Fair
- 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 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 South 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. With the surface at 38°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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
- 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 7:29 am · sunset 5:07 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Cottonwood Lake
- Redfieldabout 8.4 mi northeast
- Millerabout 23 mi southwest
- Faulktonabout 27 mi northwest
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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 1,460 acres, with about 6.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Cottonwood Lake?
Redfield is about 8.4 miles northeast; Miller is about 23 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Cottonwood Lake today?
The surface was about 38°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.
