Cottonwood Lake

Cottonwood Lake is a lake in San Juan County, Utah.

Without a dependable size figure for Cottonwood Lake, weeds, rock, water color, and nearby depth are the best starting clues.

Fish and Baits

The fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch; test the quiet side before the windy side, then match lure size to the fish.

Begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water; use a slow bait after the search lure, then keep line light around small clear-water fish.

How to Read the Water

Start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it; follow the outside weed line, then use stronger line beside wood and sharp rock.

Season by Season

In spring, start with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace; let wind choose the first bank, then keep line light around small clear-water fish.

A Simple Tackle Plan

A medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle; check the clearest edge before moving, then keep the presentation close to useful cover.

Record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce; fish the warmest edge early in spring, then repeat the first clean pattern.