---
type: lake
name: "Elbow Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Sawbill Landing"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 528
max_depth_ft: 23
latitude: 47.72942
longitude: -91.01304
lake_score: 37
dnr_lake_id: "16080500"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elbow-lake
---

# Elbow Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Sawbill Landing

- **Surface Area**: 528 acres
- **Max Depth**: 23 ft
- **Shoreline**: 8.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 7.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 37/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2022
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Finger Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/finger-lake) - 1.1 miles, 204 acres
- [Frear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/frear-lake) - 1.4 miles, 317 acres
- [Timber Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/timber-lake) - 1.8 miles, 278 acres
- [Whitefish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/whitefish-lake) - 1.9 miles, 346 acres
- [Toohey Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/toohey-lake) - 2.8 miles, 369 acres
- [Windy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/windy-lake) - 2.9 miles, 456 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.72942,-91.01304)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16080500)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elbow-lake)*