Elk Lake
About Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a 207-acre lake near Hoffman in Grant County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 8, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Elk Lake
- 207 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Hoffman
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6.8 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 207 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 109 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)
Best For
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 8
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 17, 2016
- Latest
- April 24, 2008
- Most recent
- March 17, 2016
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Elk Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lower Elk Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Hoffman131 acres
1.1 miles away
Thompson Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Hoffman154 acres
2.7 miles away
Red Rock Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Hoffman904 acres
4.4 miles away
Barrett Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Barrett530 acres
5.3 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Evansville202 acres
8.4 miles away
South Oscar Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas997 acres
9.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elk Lake?
Elk Lake is in Grant County, Minnesota, near Hoffman. It covers 207 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elk Lake?
Elk Lake covers 207 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elk Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Elk Lake?
Yes. Elk Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Elk Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Elk 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 Elk Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Elk Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Elk Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2016 and the latest is April 24, 2008.
Does Elk Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Elk Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.