Elbow Lake
About Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake is a 1,695-acre lake near Gheen in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 27.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county.
Plan Your Visit to Elbow Lake
- 1,695 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Gheen
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 6.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,695 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 27.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 664 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 11
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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
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Winchester Lake
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Myrtle Lake
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Sunset Lake
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Kjostad Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck437 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Gheen. It covers 1,695 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers 1,695 acres with about 27.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elbow Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Whitefish 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 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. 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.