Elbow Lake

How big is Elbow Lake?

How deep is Elbow Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Elbow Lake?

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Are there boat launches on Elbow Lake?

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Elbow is a 1,659-acre lake located 7 miles SE of Orr, MN. Maximum depth is approximately 60 feet and 40% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. The water is bog-stained and infertile. Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and various Panfish dominate the sport-fish community. Most fish species targeted in this survey have shown stable or above average abundance. Walleye abundance, on the other hand, has been decreasing since 2008. Fisheries management has primarily focused on species introductions and maintenance stocking. From 1943 to 1955 fry (Walleye) and fingerlings (Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and Crappie) were stocked in small numbers. Nine times between 1957 and 1980 Walleye fry or fingerlings were stocked with limited success. Beginning in 1977 until present, Walleye fingerlings were stocked on a biennial basis with better results.

Current fishing regulations on Elbow Lake follows the statewide regulation. Specific to note the Northern Pike regulations follow the Northeast Zone regulation, which is a possession limit of two with not more than one over 40 inches in possession and all Northern Pike from 30 to 40 inches must be immediately released. Smallmouth Bass fishing regulations follow the Northeast Zone regulation, which includes a six fish combination of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.

Walleye gill net abundance (1.6 per net) was below the average for Elbow Lake. The catch rate fell below the historic mean catch rate of 2.5 fish per net on Elbow Lake. Seven year classes were present ranging from 2 to 11 years. 58.3% of these year classes corresponded with fingerling stocking events. Total length ranged from 10.1 to 23.5 inches. Mean length at age 4 was 13.8 inches. The mean weight was 1.5 pounds.

Northern Pike gill net abundance was within the normal range for this lake type. There were four age classes present ranging from 3 to 7 years of age. Length ranged from 22.0 to 30.1 inches. The Northern Pike overall abundance is stable giving an angler a chance to catch a larger pike.

Night-time electrofishing yielded good numbers of Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. Smallmouth Bass ranged in length from 4.0 to 15.4 inches with an average of 8.7 inches. Only seventeen Largemouth Bass were caught, though their abundance is increasing. Largemouth Bass ranged from 3.1 to 13.3 inches with a mean of 7.06 inches.

Black Crappie trap net abundance was above normal for Elbow Lake. Lengths ranged from 4.8 to 13.6 inches with a mean of 7.9 inches. The mean weight was 0.33 pounds. Four year classes were present with 37% from the 2019 year class. Ages range from 3 to 7 years of age. Good Black Crappie opportunities exist in Elbow Lake, with potential for a very nice sized fish.

Bluegill trap net abundance is above average for similar lakes. Bluegill numbers have increased in recent years. Lengths range from 3.7 inches to 7.9 inches. Six year classes were present with 40.8% of fish captured from the 2019 age class. Ages range from 3 to 8 years of age. Anglers should find good catch rates of moderate sized Bluegills in Elbow Lake.

Yellow Perch gill net abundance was normal for Elbow Lake. Length ranged from 5.8 to 10.9 inches with a mean of 7.2 inches. While Yellow Perch are an important forage species, they also represent and additional fishing opportunity with nice sized fish.

Lake Whitefish and Tulibee were also present in good numbers. While Tulibee are largely a forage fish, Lake Whitefish can provide additional fishery options for both angling and sport gill netting.

What is the average air temp for Elbow Lake?

Are there any state parks near Elbow Lake?