Elbow Lake
About Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake is a 408-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Elbow Lake
- 408 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.4 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 408 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 408 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
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Elbow Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Elbow Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Binagami Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais117 acres
2.9 miles away
Pine Mountain Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais106 acres
2.9 miles away
Kimball Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais77 acres
3.1 miles away
Mink Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais57 acres
3.5 miles away
Northern Light Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais378 acres
4.1 miles away
Musquash Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais131 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 408 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers 408 acres with about 6.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elbow Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Elbow Lake?
Yes. Elbow Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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.
Can you camp at Elbow Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.