Elbow Lake
About Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake is an 188-acre lake near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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.
Plan Your Visit to Elbow Lake
- 188 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Battle Lake
- 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 16.4 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 188 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 80 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
- 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
- 11
- 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 Elbow Lake
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Nearby Lakes
First Silver Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake529 acres
1.3 miles away
South Turtle Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood837 acres
2.3 miles away
Fiske Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake254 acres
3.1 miles away
North Turtle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood1,773 acres
3.4 miles away
Molly Stark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake152 acres
4 miles away
West Battle Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake5,615 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. It covers 188 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers 188 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elbow Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Elbow Lake?
Yes. Elbow Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Elbow Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Elbow 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 Elbow Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Elbow Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.