Elbow Lake
About Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake is a 528-acre lake near Sawbill Landing in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Elbow Lake
- 528 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Sawbill Landing
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7.3 feet
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 528 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 382 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 4 portage accesses
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Elbow Lake
Compare Elbow Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Finger Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Tofte204 acres
1.1 miles away
Frear Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Sawbill Landing317 acres
1.4 miles away
Timber Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Sawbill Landing278 acres
1.8 miles away
Whitefish Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Tofte346 acres
1.9 miles away
Toohey Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Schroeder369 acres
2.8 miles away
Windy Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella456 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Sawbill Landing. It covers 528 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers 528 acres with about 8.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elbow Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Elbow Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Elbow Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Elbow Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Elbow Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Elbow Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.