Cottonwood Lake fishing

Fishing near Cranbrook, Nelson and the rest of the Kootenays. See all Kootenays lakes.

Tucked into the Kootenays region at 1235 m elevation, this is a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) reachable via the region's usual road and trail network. Tap through to the map for the exact route in.

Cottonwood Lake is a medium lake in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 142.0 ha and runs to 30.0 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1235 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains.

Open Cottonwood Lake in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Cottonwood Lake at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
MU 4-23
Elevation
1235 m
Maximum depth
30.0 m
Surface area
142.0 ha
Lake size
Medium Lake (50 - 500 ha)
Species
Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout
Trout strain
Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs (Quality Catchable)
Size class
Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs)
Stocking
Stocked / Natural Wild Production (FFSBC)
Boat launch
Gravel Boat Ramp
Motor rules
Gas & Electric Permitted
Ice fishing
Open to ice fishing, confirmed

How to fish Cottonwood Lake

Targeting Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs) Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Kootenays.

Productive stillwater fishery. Early spring chironomid emergences (sizes #14-#18) in 12-18ft depths, followed by traveling sedge and damsel nymphs along weedlines in June. Fall leeches and scuds produce aggressive takes.

Best times of year at Cottonwood Lake

Getting to Cottonwood Lake

Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in Kootenays (MU 4-23). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 49.4283, -117.2528

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Cottonwood Lake fishing regulations

MU 4-23 Electric motor only - max 7.5 kW

Standard Regional Regulations.

Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.

Ice fishing at Cottonwood Lake

Cottonwood Lake is open to ice fishing under the regulations on file.

Whether a lake is open to ice fishing says nothing about whether its ice will hold you. Ice conditions vary year to year and across a single lake. Check locally before going out, every time.

Camping and rec sites at Cottonwood Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Cottonwood Lake

Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.