Lake Cochrane fishing

Fishing at Lake Cochrane has Walleye on the stocking report. It is stocked about 1.4 times a year since 2012, most often in October. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night as the active times.

Last stocked

October 22, 2025

Plants on record

20

Since 2012

Species recorded

1

Surface acres

350

Elevation

1,683 ft

Access and facts

Nearest town
Clear Lake
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
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; $10-$15 daily fee.

Sources: access.shore , access.boat_ramp , access.fee , shore_notes , nearest_town , facilities , fishing_notes

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How Lake Cochrane is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of October. In 2025 it was October 16, 2025, about when it usually is.

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

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

Fish at Lake Cochrane

Fishing Lake Cochrane is most likely to be for Walleye. All 20 plants on record are Walleye.

Walleye 20 plants
Plants
20 of 20
Last stocked
October 22, 2025

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Fishing Lake Cochrane

Lake Cochrane offers ample fishing opportunities. 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.

Sources: gfp.sd.gov

Fish stocked per year

  • 3,7252012
  • 11,1322013
  • 1,3262015
  • 16,0002017
  • 5,7002019
  • 4,4672021
  • 9,1502022
  • 9,0732025

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 20 plants Showing 20 plants

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
October 22, 2025 Walleye 6,126 – report
October 16, 2025 Walleye 2,315 – report
October 16, 2025 Walleye 632 – report
October 20, 2022 Walleye 9,150 – report
October 12, 2021 Walleye 472 – report
October 12, 2021 Walleye 1,595 – report
October 12, 2021 Walleye 2,400 – report
October 7, 2019 Walleye 5,700 – report
October 25, 2017 Walleye 16,000 – report
October 8, 2015 Walleye 492 – report
October 8, 2015 Walleye 834 – report
October 16, 2013 Walleye 5,626 – report
October 16, 2013 Walleye 3,146 – report
October 16, 2013 Walleye 2,360 – report
October 12, 2012 Walleye 200 – report
October 12, 2012 Walleye 325 – report
October 12, 2012 Walleye 192 – report
October 12, 2012 Walleye 850 – report
October 3, 2012 Walleye 1,180 – report
October 3, 2012 Walleye 978 – report
Show 5 more plants Show less

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes