Cottonwood Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Suomi. DNR lake ID 31059400.
Cottonwood Lake is a 132.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Suomi. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Cottonwood Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31059400 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Suomi |
| Surface area | 132.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.7 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.7 ft.
Fishing on Cottonwood Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2013 (13 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 9.5 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 18.0 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.5 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 15.25 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 7.33 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 29.83 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.67 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.67 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2013), Northern pike 29.0 in (2013).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Cottonwood Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 10 trailer spaces. 4 mi N of the city of Deer River on MN Hwy 6, then 3 mi E on Cnty Rd 19, then 1 mi N on Cnty Rd 48, then follow signs 1 mi to east. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Poverty Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Fawn Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Island Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Hansen Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Green Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Beaver Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Carpenter Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Moose Lake 2.3 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Cottonwood Lake
How deep is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake covers about 132.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Cottonwood Lake?
Summer water clarity on Cottonwood Lake averages 10.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Cottonwood Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Cottonwood Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Cottonwood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin, yellow bullhead in Cottonwood Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2013.
Where is the public boat access on Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Cottonwood Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Cottonwood Lake?
Homes on Cottonwood Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Cottonwood Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Cottonwood Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cottonwood Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Cottonwood Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Cottonwood Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2013), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.