Lake Elmo
About Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo is a 257-acre lake near Lake Elmo in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 140 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 31 feet, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Elmo
- 257 acres, up to 140 feet deep, near Lake Elmo
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 18.7 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 257 acres
- Max depth
- 140 ft
- Average depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 45 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Fishing pier
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Shore fishing from a pier
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Elmo
Compare Lake Elmo against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Elmo ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Elmo ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Elmo ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Elmo ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Elmo ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Jane Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Lake Elmo158 acres
2.9 miles away
DeMontreville Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Lake Elmo157 acres
3.8 miles away
Long Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater102 acres
4.7 miles away
Battle Creek
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Landfall106 acres
5 miles away
Tanners Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Landfall74 acres
5.1 miles away
Lily Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater44 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Elmo?
Lake Elmo is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Lake Elmo. It covers 257 acres and reaches 140 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Elmo?
Lake Elmo covers 257 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 140 feet and its average depth is about 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Elmo?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, 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 Lake Elmo?
Yes. Lake Elmo has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Elmo?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Elmo stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Elmo; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Elmo?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Does Lake Elmo have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Elmo as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.