Leighton Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. DNR lake ID 31073900.
Leighton Lake is a 244.1-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. Its deepest point reaches 63 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 21.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31073900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Cohasset |
| Surface area | 244.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 63 ft |
| Mean depth | 30.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 21.7 ft through 2024 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 2024: clarity 21.7 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Leighton Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Leighton Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.33 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.83 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.17 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.89 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.33 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.89 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2019), Northern pike 35.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, 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
- Leighton Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. From US 2 follow Hwy 6 south for 8.5 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Leighton Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Siseebakwet Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Skunk Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
- Skelly Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- No-ta-she-bun Lake 3.2 mi, Itasca County
- Little Rice Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
- Rice Lake 3.6 mi, Itasca County
- Little Vermillion Lake 4.0 mi, Cass County
Questions about Leighton Lake
How deep is Leighton Lake?
Leighton Lake reaches a maximum depth of 63 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Leighton Lake?
Leighton Lake covers about 244.1 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Leighton Lake?
Summer water clarity on Leighton Lake averages 21.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Leighton Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Leighton 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 Leighton Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, bowfin, yellow bullhead in Leighton Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Leighton Lake?
Leighton Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Leighton Lake.
How is the walleye population on Leighton Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2003 to 2019, walleye numbers on Leighton Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Leighton Lake?
Homes on Leighton 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 Leighton Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Leighton Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 21.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Leighton Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Leighton Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Leighton 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 2019), 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.