Elbow Lake
About Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake is a 169-acre lake near Iron Junction in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Elbow Lake
- 169 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Iron Junction
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — 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 11.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 169 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 130 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- 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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Mashkenode Lake
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Manganika Lake
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St. Mary's Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Spruce234 acres
5 miles away
Half Moon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Peary162 acres
6.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Iron Junction. It covers 169 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers 169 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Elbow Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. 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 (gravel or earth), 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Elbow Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.