Elbow Lake

How big is Elbow Lake?

How deep is Elbow Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Elbow Lake?

What are the closest cities to Elbow Lake?

Are there boat launches on Elbow Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Elbow Lake?

Elbow (Bass) Lake is a 189-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately two miles west of Battle Lake, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Bass Lake is 46 feet; however, 42% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2023 survey was 14.7 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 15.0 to 24.0 feet.
Moderate shoreline development exists around the lake. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned concrete public access is located on the northwest shoreline. Main lake shoreline substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. The substrate in the north bay is predominantly muck. Common cattail and hardstem bulrush are prevalent in the bay; however, emergent vegetation is limited throughout the remainder of the lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines from erosion and can even absorb and breakdown pollutants from the water. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and panfish. They also are important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
Northern Pike abundance has historically remained at a moderate level. Age data from this survey and previous surveys indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good at a low to moderate level. Pike ranged in length from 20.4 to 37.0 inches with an average length and weight of 25.8 inches and 3.7 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 25.6 inches at five years of age.
Walleye abundance remains low. Walleyes ranged in length from 16.3 to 23.9 inches with a mean length of 19.5 inches and 2.5 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.8 inches at four years of age.
Previous special surveys have indicated that the Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie populations have been historically abundant with excellent size structures, consistently good reproduction, and above-average growth.
Anglers can maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Elbow Lake is not listed as an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

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Are there any state parks near Elbow Lake?