Cottonwood Lake in Roberts County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Cottonwood Lake lies within the bounds of Roberts County, South Dakota. The water sits 1,024 feet up. It is low-lying compared with other South Dakota water we list. You are 16 miles from Wheaton. Fargo is the closest city, 71 miles away. In the same area: 6.3 miles out stands Dobberstien Slough, Knebel Slough (8.3 miles), 9.3 miles out stands Lake Bdesaka, Lake Traverse (10 miles) and 10 miles out stands Indian Slough. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Cottonwood Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Roberts County include common carp, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Cottonwood Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 72°F in July and bottoms out near 10°F in January. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early April. From about early April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. At Cottonwood Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. The water borders Cottonwood Lake State Wildlife Management Area, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Dobberstien Slough is 6.3 miles distant. Nothing here settles the position at Cottonwood Lake for certain.