Lower Elk Lake
About Lower Elk Lake
Lower Elk Lake is a 131-acre lake near Hoffman in Grant County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Lower Elk Lake
- 131 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Hoffman
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 131 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 131 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lower Elk Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Elk Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Hoffman207 acres
1.1 miles away
Red Rock Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Hoffman904 acres
3.4 miles away
Thompson Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Hoffman154 acres
3.6 miles away
Barrett Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Barrett530 acres
6.4 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
8.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Elk Lake?
Lower Elk Lake is in Grant County, Minnesota, near Hoffman. It covers 131 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lower Elk Lake?
Lower Elk Lake covers 131 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lower 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 Lower Elk Lake?
Yes. Lower Elk Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lower Elk Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lower 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 Lower Elk Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lower Elk Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.