Elk Lake

How big is Elk Lake?

How deep is Elk Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Elk Lake?

What are the closest cities to Elk Lake?

Are there boat launches on Elk Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Elk Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Elk Lake?

Big Elk Lake (360 acres) is a general development lake located in western Sherburne County. The lake is shallow (nine feet maximum) and greatly influenced by the Elk River which flows through it. For instance, studies have shown that the largest phosphorous inputs to Big Elk Lake are from the Elk River (77% of total phosphorous). Riverine fish species were common: silver and shorthead redhorse, and white sucker. Beneficially, walleye reproduce and provide a fishery that doesnt need stocking. In spite of the (eutrophic) riverine influence the fish populations have been stable, for the most part, since 1980. Walleye exist at moderate levels and populations of most sport species were at low levels.

Walleye have not been stocked in Big Elk Lake since 1980 although the Briggs Chain Association was granted a permit to stock in 2009. In 2009 the catch was 3.7 walleye/gill net. This compares to previous surveys (in 1986, 1993, and 1999) when the catch rate was about the same. Average weight and length were 20 inches and three pounds. Growth of female walleye was fast, reaching nearly 18 inches by age three; and males grew to 16 inches by age three. Anglers report good fishing for walleye especially in the spring at the mouth of the Elk River where it enters Elk Lake.

The catch rate of northern pike (10.8/gill net) increased significantly over 1999 (5.0/net) and was above the expected range for the lake class. Average length and weight were still good, 22 inches and three pounds, respectively. Northern pike ranged in length from 12 to 36 inches. Thirty-two percent of northern pike were greater than 24 inches. Growth of northern pike was faster than statewide averages. Both male and female northern pike reached 24 inches in four years. Anglers can expect above average success for northern pike.

As in 1999 no largemouth bass were taken during spring electrofishing or with gill and trap nets. One smallmouth bass was captured. Lack of vegetation in Big Elk Lake may limit the panfish populations. Turbid conditions (caused by the flow of the Elk River), feeding activity of carp, and the sand and gravel substrate inhibit plant survival in Big Elk Lake.

Bluegill populations were low as they were in the last survey in 1999. The bluegill catch has been below the range of normal in all of the surveys since 1980.

The black crappie catch also was below the expected range for lake class 43.
Catch rates for white sucker (32/gill net) have been high in each of the past five surveys (average 24.5/gill net). Black bullhead numbers (1.3/trap) have declined from 1986 (11.2/trap.

Catch rates of common carp (0.11/trap) were below the normal range for the lake class, although the trap nets probably understate the true abundance which is thought to be higher.

What is the average air temp for Elk Lake?