Lake Cochrane fishing

Lake Cochrane fishing has Walleye on the stocking report. Also recorded: Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Black Bullhead, and 1 more. It is stocked about 1.4 times a year since 2012, most often in October. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye and Black Crappie, dawn, day, and dusk for Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Northern Pike, and dawn and dusk for Largemouth Bass and Common Carp.

AI-generated illustration, not a photo of this lake
Last stocked
October 22, 2025
· Walleye
Plants on record
20
Since 2012
Species stocked
1 (+7 also recorded)
Surface acres
350
Elevation
1,683 ft

Fish at Lake Cochrane

1 stocked · 7 confirmed present

Walleye Stocked · 20 plants · last October 22, 2025 Best: dawn, dusk, night

Last stocked October 22, 2025 · 20 plants

Best: dawn, dusk, night

Walleye species guide

Largemouth bass are ample for fishing adventures. This lake also has excellent populations of walleyes, bluegills, perch, crappies, and northern pike. Fishing piers and boat ramps are available, making access to the lake a breeze. (gfp.sd.gov, accessed September 22, 2026)

Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.

How Lake Cochrane is stocked

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).

No plants recorded in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2024.

Fish stocked in 2012

3,725

Fish stocked in 2013

11,132

Fish stocked in 2015

1,326

Fish stocked in 2017

16,000

Fish stocked in 2019

5,700

Fish stocked in 2021

4,467

Fish stocked in 2022

9,150

Fish stocked in 2025

9,073

Stocking history

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
October 22, 2025Walleye6,126–report
October 16, 2025Walleye2,315–report
October 16, 2025Walleye632–report
October 20, 2022Walleye9,150–report
October 12, 2021Walleye472–report
October 12, 2021Walleye1,595–report
October 12, 2021Walleye2,400–report
October 7, 2019Walleye5,700–report
October 25, 2017Walleye16,000–report
October 8, 2015Walleye492–report
October 8, 2015Walleye834–report
October 16, 2013Walleye5,626–report
October 16, 2013Walleye3,146–report
October 16, 2013Walleye2,360–report
October 12, 2012Walleye200–report
October 12, 2012Walleye325–report
October 12, 2012Walleye192–report
October 12, 2012Walleye850–report
October 3, 2012Walleye1,180–report
October 3, 2012Walleye978–report

Access and facts

Nearest town
Clear Lake
Facilities
restrooms, camping

A little hidden gem on the Minnesota border, nestled between Lake Cochrane and neighboring Lake Oliver. Fishing piers and a boat ramp serve largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, perch, crappie and northern pike. Ten miles east of Clear Lake off SD Hwy 22; daily park entrance fee.

Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.

View larger map · Open in Google Maps · Directions

Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) before you go.

Nearest lakes

Pelican Lake 35.8 mi last stocked June 16, 2025 Lake Kampeska 38.9 mi last stocked May 22, 2026 Big Stone Lake 48.8 mi last stocked September 12, 2024 Lake Henry 56.1 mi last stocked June 10, 2024 Bitter Lake 56.9 mi last stocked May 16, 2021

Common questions

What fish are at Lake Cochrane?

Fishing Lake Cochrane usually means Walleye. All 20 plants on record are Walleye. Walleye was last stocked October 22, 2025. Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie, plus 3 more are recorded here outside the stocking reports.

When is Lake Cochrane stocked?

Last stocked October 22, 2025. It is stocked about 1.4 times a year since 2012, most often in October. No plants recorded in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2024.

How do you get on Lake Cochrane?

The nearest town is Clear Lake. Facilities include restrooms and camping. A little hidden gem on the Minnesota border, nestled between Lake Cochrane and neighboring Lake Oliver. Fishing piers and a boat ramp serve largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, perch, crappie and northern pike. Ten miles east of Clear Lake off SD Hwy 22; daily park entrance fee.

Which lakes near Lake Cochrane were stocked more recently?

Lake Kampeska (38.9 mi) was stocked more recently. Lake Kampeska is also stocked with Walleye.

Sources (3) +