Minnesota Fishing Guide

Cottonwood

Cottonwood County, Minnesota — DOW #17002200

192 Surveys
154.97
Acres
10 ft
Max Depth
8 ft
Mean Depth
15
Fish Species
0
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Cottonwood. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 21.9 (normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.22 lb 175
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 66.3 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.20 lb 199
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 5.8 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.38 lb 52
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 28.3 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.34 lb 85
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 24.9 (normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.16 lb 199
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 141.3 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.07 lb 424
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 82.3 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.11 lb 247
2012-07-23 Backpack electrofishing 74.6 — — 38
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 41.5 (normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.14 lb 332
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 0.8 — — 8
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 273.0 (above normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.02 lb 819
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 19.0 (normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.21 lb 171
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 371.7 (above normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.04 lb 1115
1990-07-23 Standard gill nets 102.3 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.16 lb 307
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 172.1 (above normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.15 lb 1205
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 47.3 (normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.12 lb 378
1998-07-20 Standard gill nets 84.8 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.13 lb 339
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 118.4 (normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.05 lb 1066
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 90.0 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.03 lb 270

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.15 lb 9
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 20.7 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.17 lb 62
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.34 lb 9
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 9.7 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.32 lb 29
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 2.9 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.13 lb 23
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 55.3 (above normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.06 lb 166
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 9.1 — — 91
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 65.7 (above normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.07 lb 197
2012-07-23 Backpack electrofishing 7.9 — — 4
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 5.3 (above normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.08 lb 42
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.10 lb 4
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 11.3 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.12 lb 34
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.20 lb 7
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 1.3 (below normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.16 lb 4
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 1.5 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.18 lb 12
1998-07-20 Survey seining 1.0 — — 4
1998-07-20 Standard gill nets 7.8 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.14 lb 31
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.11 lb 15
1994-07-25 Survey seining 2.3 — — 9
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 2.3 (below normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.10 lb 7

Smallmouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard electrofishing 6.9 — 0.67 lb 7
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 1.16 lb 2
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.33 lb 1
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 1.20 lb 1

Channel Catfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 13.0 — 0.69 lb 39
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 2.6 — 0.81 lb 21
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 5.7 — 1.22 lb 17
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.20 lb 10
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 1.0 — 2.72 lb 3
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 0.5 — 1.94 lb 4
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 2.0 — 1.38 lb 16
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 1.02 lb 1
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 3.3 — 0.48 lb 10
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.58 lb 1
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 1.0 — 1.81 lb 3
1998-07-20 Survey seining 0.3 — — 1
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.80 lb 1

Common Carp

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 4.57 lb 10
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.9 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 4.80 lb 7
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.0 – 13.8 0.04 lb 1
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 4.66 lb 2
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 4.0 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 1.30 lb 12
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 0.72 lb 5
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 6.0 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 3.50 lb 18
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.65 lb 2
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.0 – 13.8 5.51 lb 1
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 3.33 lb 5
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 4.7 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 3.53 lb 14
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 3.12 lb 3
1990-07-23 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 3.68 lb 6
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 3.44 lb 5
1998-07-20 Standard gill nets 6.8 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 2.17 lb 27
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 1.6 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 3.00 lb 13
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 27.7 (above normal) 1.0 – 13.8 1.39 lb 83
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 15.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.17 lb 138

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard electrofishing 4.0 — 1.79 lb 4
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 3.20 lb 1
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 14.2 — — 142
2012-07-23 Standard electrofishing 4.6 — 2.66 lb 5
2012-07-23 Backpack electrofishing 15.7 — — 8
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.76 lb 1
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 3.97 lb 1
1998-07-20 Survey seining 6.5 — — 26
1994-07-25 Survey seining 0.3 — — 1

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.37 lb 1
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.39 lb 2
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.48 lb 4
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.27 lb 4
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.59 lb 2
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.30 lb 2

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.5 — 5.99 lb 4
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 2.66 lb 5
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 0.2 — 0.85 lb 2
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 1.1 – 8.0 4.65 lb 3
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 4.11 lb 7
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 3.46 lb 7
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.6 — 4.80 lb 5
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 3.86 lb 1
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 1.15 lb 4
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 4.6 — 0.79 lb 41
1990-07-23 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 3.84 lb 5
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 6.30 lb 6
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.88 lb 1
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 6.48 lb 5
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 5.30 lb 4

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 4.7 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 1.40 lb 14
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.96 lb 10
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 3.7 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 1.32 lb 11
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 3.3 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.85 lb 30
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 2.0 (below normal) 2.3 – 18.1 1.76 lb 6
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.21 lb 5
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 10.7 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 2.89 lb 32
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.46 lb 6
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 3.32 lb 8
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 12.7 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 0.89 lb 38
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 4.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.82 lb 36
1990-07-23 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 3.76 lb 8
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 1.4 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 3.23 lb 10
1998-07-20 Standard gill nets 1.3 (below normal) 2.3 – 18.1 0.96 lb 5
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 2.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.61 lb 21
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 13.3 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 2.08 lb 40
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 3.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.0 1.61 lb 34

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 2.3 — 0.27 lb 7
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 26.0 (above normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.14 lb 208
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.22 lb 21
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.34 lb 2
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 4.0 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.33 lb 32
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 3.3 — 0.12 lb 10
2012-07-23 Backpack electrofishing 15.7 — — 8
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 22.5 (above normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.16 lb 180
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 1.0 (below normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.15 lb 9
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 1.6 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.26 lb 14
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.32 lb 5
1998-07-20 Survey seining 2.3 — — 9
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 8.0 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.22 lb 64
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 6.2 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.21 lb 56

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 1.3 — 0.16 lb 4
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 9.6 (above normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.13 lb 77
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.12 lb 7
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 3.4 (normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.17 lb 27
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 2.3 — 0.10 lb 7
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 5.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.14 lb 43
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.10 lb 7
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.21 lb 8
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.11 lb 3
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 4.9 0.20 lb 1

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 5.7 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.86 lb 17
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.10 lb 10
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 2.05 lb 4
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 4.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.87 lb 40
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 2.36 lb 7
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 2.24 lb 4
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.6 2.65 lb 1
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.5 2.33 lb 2
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.64 lb 2
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.55 lb 16
1990-07-23 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 1.86 lb 8
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 3.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.88 lb 21
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.83 lb 7
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 1.37 lb 6
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 1.75 lb 5

BIB

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.8 – 7.0 5.44 lb 4
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 3.92 lb 6

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2020-08-17 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.33 lb 10
2020-08-17 Standard trap nets 6.9 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.27 lb 55
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 5.7 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.42 lb 17
2024-08-19 Standard trap nets 38.4 (above normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.22 lb 346
2008-07-21 Standard gill nets 13.0 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.12 lb 39
2008-07-21 Standard trap nets 13.8 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.13 lb 110
2012-07-23 Standard gill nets 23.7 (above normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.20 lb 71
2012-07-23 Backpack electrofishing 2.0 — — 1
2012-07-23 Standard trap nets 15.8 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.22 lb 126
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 3
2016-07-25 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.28 lb 5
2016-07-25 Standard trap nets 3.9 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.26 lb 35
2002-07-22 Standard gill nets 1.3 (below normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.31 lb 4
2002-07-22 Standard trap nets 18.1 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.18 lb 163
1990-07-23 Standard gill nets 24.7 (above normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.24 lb 74
1990-07-23 Standard trap nets 32.3 (above normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.25 lb 226
1998-07-20 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.29 lb 8
1998-07-20 Standard trap nets 2.0 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.38 lb 16
1994-07-25 Survey seining 0.3 — — 1
1994-07-25 Standard gill nets 7.7 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.24 lb 23
1994-07-25 Standard trap nets 21.3 (above normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.15 lb 192

OSS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-08-19 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.08 lb 1

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 0.2 — 2
1998-07-20 Survey seining 0.3 — 1

Fathead Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1

Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-07-23 Backpack electrofishing 80.5 — 41
2012-07-23 50-ft beach seine 65.0 — 650
1994-07-25 Survey seining 2.3 — 9

Green Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1998-07-20 Survey seining 0.3 — 1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 11 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Blue Line Junction

Worthington, MN

(507) 372-4038

★ 4.1

Loon Lake Store and Bait Shop

Jackson, MN

(507) 318-8617

★ 4.8

Silverback Pro

Worthington, MN

(507) 329-6019

Tractor Supply Co.

Worthington, MN

(507) 376-9733

★ 4.6

Tuttle Lake Bait

Ceylon, MN

(507) 848-1627

★ 5

Nearby Marinas

701 Properties LLC

Sleepy Eye, MN

(507) 766-8141

★ 5

Beach Nook

Worthington, MN

(888-847-4866

★ 4.4

Centennial Park

Worthington, MN

★ 4.5

Chautauqua Park

Worthington, MN

(507) 372-8601

★ 4.6

Lake Front Park

Worthington, MN

(507) 329-0760

★ 4.6

M & M Warehouse

Worthington, MN

(507) 343-0131

★ 5

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Cottonwood. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Bigmouth BuffaloBlack BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillChannel CatfishCommon CarpLargemouth BassNorthern PikeOrangespotted SunfishPumpkinseedSmallmouth BassWalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Other Lakes in Cottonwood County

Arnold's

48.22 acres

Bean

163.59 acres

Bingham

269.75 acres

Double

239.71 acres

Eagle

105.41 acres

Mountain

229.52 acres

Plan Your Trip to Cottonwood

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.