Cottonwood Lake Sra boat launch
Cottonwood Lake Sra
Cottonwood Lake is a reservoir that covers an area of approximately 255 acres. It is stocked with a variety of fish including walleye, northern pike, crappie, and bluegill. The lake is also popular for water skiing, tubing, and other water sports.
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department manages Cottonwood Lake SRA and enforces the regulations regarding boat use. Motorized boats are permitted on the lake, provided they comply with the speed limit and other regulations. Kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft are also allowed on the lake.
The latest information available confirms that Cottonwood Lake SRA is open year-round and has no fees for boat launching. Boaters are advised to check the weather and water conditions before launching their boats, as the lake can be subject to sudden changes in weather and water levels.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Cottonwood Lake Sra -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Cr Above Refuge Near Tuthill Sd | 26 cfs | → |
| Little White R Near Martin Sd | 17 cfs | → |
| Lake Cr Below Refuge Near Tuthill Sd | 6 cfs | → |
| Little White R Near Vetal Sd | 64 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Cottonwood Lake Sra as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Cottonwood Lake Sra
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Cottonwood Lake Sra.