Lake Elysian
About Lake Elysian
Lake Elysian is a 2,215-acre lake near Elysian in Waseca County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 16.8 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Waseca County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 2023.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. Sportsman's Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Elysian
- 2,215 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Elysian
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 1.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Sportsman's Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,215 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 16.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,215 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Sportsman's Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Sportsman's Campground is mapped on or near Lake Elysian. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Elysian
Compare Lake Elysian against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Lily Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian114 acres
2.7 miles away
Frances Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Greenland927 acres
2.9 miles away
Rays Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Elysian169 acres
3 miles away
Reeds Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian195 acres
3.8 miles away
Fish Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville77 acres
4.2 miles away
Toner's Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Palmer130 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Elysian?
Lake Elysian is in Waseca County, Minnesota, near Elysian. It covers 2,215 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Elysian?
Lake Elysian covers 2,215 acres with about 16.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Elysian?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Elysian?
Yes. Lake Elysian has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Elysian?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Elysian. 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 Lake Elysian stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Elysian; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake Elysian?
Yes. Sportsman's Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.