Elephant Lake

How big is Elephant Lake?

How deep is Elephant Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Elephant Lake?

What are the closest cities to Elephant Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Elephant 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 Elephant Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Elephant Lake

Are there boat launches on Elephant Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Elephant Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Elephant Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Elephant Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Elephant Lake is 728 acres and located approximately 10 miles northeast of Orr, Minnesota. Approximately 45 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Bass, northern pike, panfish, walleye, and yellow perch dominate the sport-fish community. Elephant Lake is a Minnesota Sentinel Lake; thus, investigations will be used to determine how the lake is responding to factors such as climate change, watershed development, invasive species, and runoff.

Several species of panfish were caught, including bluegill, black crappie, and pumpkinseed. Generally, numbers were low and sizes were small in the past. However, recently black crappie and bluegill have been notable exceptions.

Black crappie abundance was above what is typically found in most lakes of this type and size reached 12.2 inches. A strong year-class in 2011 should continue to keep numbers and size above average.

Bluegill abundance was near the high end of what is typically found in most lakes of this type and the highest level ever recorded in Elephant Lake. Size reached 8.2 inches. The 2011 year-class was outstanding and should continue to keep numbers and size above average.

In an attempt to improve the size structure of the northern pike population, an experimental regulation requiring the release of all pike under 40 inches was enacted on May 10, 2003. In 2014, northern pike abundance was within the typical range for this lake type. Growth was fast and individuals were large; the average weight was 3.9 pounds, which was slightly above the typical range for this lake type. Size in the sample ranged from 20.0-31.8 inches.

Smallmouth bass are abundant in Elephant Lake. Fish up to 18.5 inches were captured during this investigation and should provide those seeking smallmouth bass with good fishing.

Walleye abundance has fluctuated greatly throughout the past 45 years. Stocking has occurred numerous times up until 1996 and no difference was detected in the strength of walleye year-classes between stocked and un-stocked years. In 2014, abundance was within the expected range for lakes of this type, but it was the lowest abundance ever recorded on Elephant Lake. A healthy number of year-classes were present and age ranged from 3-17 years. Size in the sample ranged from 8.8-23.1 inches and the average was 14.2. Walleye fishing in the near future should be similar to recent years.

Yellow perch are present but are likely more important as forage for predators than as a recreational fish for anglers. Only about 5 percent were above 9 inches.

What is the average air temp for Elephant Lake?