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Ella Lake

lakeKandiyohi County, Minnesota · near Atwater153 acres48 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Ella Lake

Ella Lake is a 153-acre lake near Atwater in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. 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 Ella Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 153 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Atwater
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
  • Average water clarity around 2.8 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
153 acres
Max depth
12 ft
Shoreline
2.3 mi
Water clarity
2.8 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
153 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
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • 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
19
Game fish
9
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

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieWhite CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchChannel CatfishBigmouth BuffaloBlack BullheadBowfinBrown BullheadCommon CarpGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishOrangespotted SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ella Lake?

Ella Lake is in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, near Atwater. It covers 153 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Ella Lake?

Ella Lake covers 153 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.

What fish can you catch at Ella Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Ella Lake?

Yes. Ella Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Ella Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Ella 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 Ella Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ella Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.