Elm Island Lake

How big is Elm Island Lake?

How deep is Elm Island Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Elm Island Lake?

What are the closest cities to Elm Island Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Elm Island Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Elm Island Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Elm Island Lake

Are there boat launches on Elm Island Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Elm Island Lake?

Elm Island Lake is located about six miles southeast of Aitkin and is part of the Ripple River chain of lakes. There is a small public access on the west shore near the lake's outlet. The earthen ramp and relatively shallow depth limit the size of watercraft able to be launched. Winter access is also limited due to flowing water at the outlet, which creates poor ice conditions that make vehicle travel from the access unsafe. The lake provides good opportunities for panfish and northern pike fishing with some anglers able to catch a few walleyes at certain times of the year.

Panfish species have significantly different population characteristics, which have persisted throughout the history of fisheries surveys at Elm Island Lake. Black crappie are abundant, grow slowly, and rarely exceed 10". On the other hand, bluegill are relatively low density, grow quickly, and commonly reach larger sizes. The combination of the two populations provides ample harvest opportunity for crappie, as well as a quality size component for bluegill, each of which is desirable to anglers. The abundance of harvestable black crappie may help to preserve the favorable size structure of the bluegill population by buffering exploitation of larger individuals. Selective harvest of bluegill is encouraged to maintain their quality size structure.

Northern pike abundance was within the expected range for this type of lake and similar to the Elm Island Lake historic average. Pike size structure was good with fish ranging from 15.9 to 34.0" and averaging 22.8" and 3.0 pounds. Larger pike play an important role in regulating survival and growth of various species. Anglers are encouraged to release pike greater than 24" to help protect the vital function these fish provide in the ecosystem and to allow additional opportunities for others through recycling these sporting fish.

Walleye stocking has occurred regularly since the 1970's at various frequencies, sizes, and densities of fish, but has produced only limited success. Lakes with similar physical characteristics typically support a low density walleye population and while the 2013 catch was low, it was still within the expected range for similar lakes. Historic catches from the nine previous surveys of this lake have ranged from 0.1 to 2.7 per gill net.

Maintaining habitat is important for both fish and wildlife resources. In addition to the excellent stands of wild rice and the generally sparse bulrush along the shoreline, coarse woody habitat such as fallen trees and branches offer additional habitat that should be left in place for the benefit of most fish species in Elm Island Lake. While it can be inconvenient when a tree falls into one's dock or swimming area, consider moving it to an area along your shoreline that is clear of your activity, rather than removing it from the lake. Benefits of good habitat stewardship are often rewarded with good fishing.

What is the average air temp for Elm Island Lake?

Are there any state parks near Elm Island Lake?