Elkhorn Lake
About Elkhorn Lake
Elkhorn Lake is a 79-acre lake near Spicer in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It reaches 41 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Elkhorn Lake
- 79 acres, up to 41 feet deep, near Spicer
- 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 pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 14.9 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 79 acres
- Max depth
- 41 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 30 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
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 Elkhorn Lake
Compare Elkhorn Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Henderson Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer75 acres
2.8 miles away
George Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer228 acres
3 miles away
Bass Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer50 acres
3.2 miles away
Green Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer5,569 acres
3.4 miles away
Eagle Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Willmar849 acres
3.4 miles away
Nest Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer969 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elkhorn Lake?
Elkhorn Lake is in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, near Spicer. It covers 79 acres and reaches 41 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elkhorn Lake?
Elkhorn Lake covers 79 acres with about 1.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 41 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elkhorn Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Elkhorn Lake?
Yes. Elkhorn Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Elkhorn Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Elkhorn Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Elkhorn Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Elkhorn Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.