Elk Lake
About Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a 362-acre lake near Zimmerman in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 4.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
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 2017.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 4, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Elk Lake
- 362 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Zimmerman
- 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 1.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 362 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 362 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
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- 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 4
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 30, 2026
- Latest
- April 21, 2008
- Most recent
- March 30, 2026
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
Compare Elk Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Elk Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Elk Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Elk Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Elk Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Fremont Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Zimmerman493 acres
3.3 miles away
Sandy Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Crown64 acres
5.2 miles away
Lake Ann
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Orrock183 acres
5.4 miles away
Blue Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Princeton296 acres
6.2 miles away
West Hunter Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Crown61 acres
6.4 miles away
Birch Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake160 acres
7.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elk Lake?
Elk Lake is in Sherburne County, Minnesota, near Zimmerman. It covers 362 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elk Lake?
Elk Lake covers 362 acres with about 4.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elk 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 Elk Lake?
Yes. 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 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 4, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 30, 2026 and the latest is April 21, 2008.
Does Elk Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Elk Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.