Elk Lake
About Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a 357-acre lake near Clear Lake in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 5 feet, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black 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 2019.
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 13, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Elk Lake
- 357 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Clear Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 4.4 feet
- 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
- 357 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Average depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 357 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
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- 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 13
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- March 29, 2017
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- April 15, 2023
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
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Nearby Lakes
Rush Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Clear Lake161 acres
1.5 miles away
Briggs Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Clear Lake404 acres
1.9 miles away
Camp Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Clear Lake82 acres
2.2 miles away
Lake Julia
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Clear Lake154 acres
2.6 miles away
Clear Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Clearwater113 acres
5.1 miles away
Pickerel Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Cable108 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elk Lake?
Elk Lake is in Sherburne County, Minnesota, near Clear Lake. It covers 357 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elk Lake?
Elk Lake covers 357 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet and its average depth is about 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elk Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 13, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 29, 2017 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
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.