Little Cowhorn

Little Cowhorn Lake has a long history of low winter oxygen levels with many severe winterkills documented and several years when it was opened to "unlimited fishing". Northern pike rescue operations were done on the lake from the late 1930's to 1970, and walleye were reared in 1983 with no success. Fish populations appear to have successful natural reproduction although immigration of many species occurs in the spring through the outlet to the Mississippi River.The gill net and trap net catch rates (CPUE's) for all species were compared to a median for all lakes that are ecologically similar and grouped into lake class #39. This classification represents many lakes that have a history of winterkill although Little Cowhorn Lake could very well be the most susceptible of this group in this management area.The present fish population is typical for this type of lake. Most species are at normal catch rate levels, although the black bullhead gill net CPUE is 112.7 fish/net, twice that of the third quartile of 52.3 fish/net, and at the third quartile of 22.0 fish/trapnet. Their sizes range between 5 to 7 inches. Northern pike CPUE's are at or above the third quartile of both the gill net and trap net indices with an overall average weight of 2.8 lbs./fish. Growth rates for northern pike are fast at 22.7 inches at age 3 with the 1987 year class composing 73% of the sample.The forage base is high with good numbers of minnows and a large number of young-of-the-year yellow perch as indicated by the shoreline seining. Northern pike fishing could be good but the heavy submergent vegetations restricts standard fishing techniques; therefore, it is felt that this population is under-utilized.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Pumpkinseed in Little Cowhorn. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Little Cowhorn. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Little Cowhorn has a maximum depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Cowhorn is from 1992. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Little Cowhorn in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Little Cowhorn has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.