Elk

Grant County, Minnesota — DOW #26004000

179 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

Elk has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

206.59

Acres

29 ft

Max Depth

15 ft

Mean Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Elk. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	1.9 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.08 lb	13
2001-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 3.0	0.11 lb	2
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.10 lb	1
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.13 lb	2
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.07 lb	12
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.10 lb	1
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 3.0	0.10 lb	1
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.10 lb	5
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 3.0	0.07 lb	1
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.06 lb	3
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 3.0	0.06 lb	1

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.8 – 8.4	0.53 lb	4
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	6.9 (normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.35 lb	48
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.39 lb	4
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.8 – 8.4	0.20 lb	2
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.51 lb	9
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.43 lb	3
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	0.8 – 8.4	0.09 lb	27
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.23 lb	21
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.30 lb	1
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.8 – 8.4	0.60 lb	4
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	9.4 (above normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.48 lb	75
1992-08-17	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.8 – 8.4	0.10 lb	6
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.28 lb	9
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.48 lb	2
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.8 – 8.4	0.11 lb	10
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.9 – 8.0	0.26 lb	3

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	3.1 – 47.6	0.47 lb	19
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.0 – 29.9	0.45 lb	6
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.0 – 29.9	0.93 lb	3
2001-08-20	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	3.1 – 47.6	1.01 lb	26
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	1.0 – 29.9	0.80 lb	9
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	20.5 (normal)	3.1 – 47.6	0.72 lb	82
1997-08-18	Standard gill nets	77.7 (above normal)	3.1 – 47.6	0.35 lb	466
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	2.0 (normal)	1.0 – 29.9	0.61 lb	18
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.0 – 29.9	1.12 lb	2
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	3.1 – 47.6	1.44 lb	4
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.0 – 29.9	1.81 lb	1
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	3.1 – 47.6	2.16 lb	1
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	5.6 (normal)	1.0 – 29.9	0.66 lb	45
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	3.2 (normal)	3.1 – 47.6	0.58 lb	16
1992-08-17	Standard gill nets	63.8 (above normal)	3.1 – 47.6	0.19 lb	255
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	1.0 – 29.9	0.42 lb	11
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	3.1 – 47.6	0.06 lb	1

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	2.9 (below normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.24 lb	20
2001-08-20	Survey seining	0.3	—	—	1
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.6 (below normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.34 lb	5
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	1.4 (below normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.51 lb	10
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.18 lb	2
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	16.3 (normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.12 lb	147
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.17 lb	2
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	11.0 (normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.18 lb	99
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	0.50 lb	2
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	28.9 (normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.26 lb	231
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	2.9 (below normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.05 lb	23
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	106.1 (above normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.11 lb	955
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	31.7	—	0.21 lb	190
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.11 lb	3
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	20.1 (normal)	5.9 – 43.3	0.13 lb	181

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.16 lb	5
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	19.5 (normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.25 lb	78
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.16 lb	12
2001-08-20	Survey seining	5.5	—	—	22
2001-08-20	Standard gill nets	35.7 (above normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.08 lb	214
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.07 lb	8
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.23 lb	19
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	8.8 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.19 lb	79
1997-08-18	Standard gill nets	154.8 (above normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.19 lb	929
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	4.1 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.19 lb	37
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	2.3 (below normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.21 lb	14
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.08 lb	9
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	11.0 (normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.10 lb	66
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	2.0 (normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.16 lb	16
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	47.4 (above normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.20 lb	237
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	7.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.11 lb	63
1992-08-17	Standard gill nets	12.8 (normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.17 lb	51
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.7	—	1
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.13 lb	35
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.5 – 3.7	0.08 lb	17
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	33.8 (above normal)	3.7 – 28.4	0.08 lb	203

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.10 lb	2
2001-08-20	Standard electrofishing	42.0	—	1.56 lb	35
2001-08-20	Survey seining	10.0	—	—	40
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.05 lb	1
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.15 lb	7
2005-08-22	Standard electrofishing	142.1	—	0.95 lb	115
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.21 lb	3
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	4.4 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.15 lb	40
2009-08-25	Standard electrofishing	122.0	—	1.95 lb	76
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.53 lb	4
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.63 lb	5
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.08 lb	5
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	1.24 lb	5
2021-08-23	Standard electrofishing	96.7	—	2.14 lb	166
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.85 lb	11
2015-08-24	Standard electrofishing	53.2	—	1.91 lb	90
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.78 lb	2
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	1.62 lb	5

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	13.5 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.3	1.04 lb	54
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.87 lb	9
2001-08-20	Standard gill nets	17.0 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.3	2.02 lb	102
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	1.87 lb	12
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	7.0 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.3	1.94 lb	28
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	1.07 lb	9
1997-08-18	Standard gill nets	2.3 (normal)	1.2 – 5.3	3.34 lb	14
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.14 lb	5
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	1.2 – 5.3	2.00 lb	26
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	3.03 lb	21
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	7.5 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.3	1.75 lb	45
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 0.8	2.94 lb	7
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	19.0 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.3	0.84 lb	95
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.33 lb	4
1992-08-17	Standard gill nets	5.0 (normal)	1.2 – 5.3	3.58 lb	20
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.48 lb	14
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	14.7 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.3	1.75 lb	88
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	2.26 lb	16
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	1.2 – 5.3	1.50 lb	28
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 0.8	4.07 lb	7

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	2.23 lb	3
2001-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	2.3 – 9.2	0.33 lb	1
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.06 lb	4
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	1.80 lb	1
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	3.73 lb	8
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	2.0 (below normal)	2.3 – 9.2	3.95 lb	12
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	2.3 – 9.2	2.88 lb	4
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	2.40 lb	3
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	7.90 lb	1
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	1.80 lb	3
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	3.12 lb	1

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 2.5	9.50 lb	2
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	10.00 lb	1
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	13.27 lb	1
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.5	6.00 lb	1
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 2.5	8.54 lb	2
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.07 lb	1
1984-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 2.5	4.30 lb	3
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	2.50 lb	1

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	2.25 lb	2
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.10 lb	5
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	4.00 lb	1
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	2.20 lb	1
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.39 lb	9
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.12 lb	1
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	2.60 lb	3
1992-08-17	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	2.80 lb	2
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	2.50 lb	1
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	3.48 lb	2
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	3.04 lb	2
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.16 lb	1

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2001-08-20	Survey seining	0.3	—	1

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.0 – 8.0	0.36 lb	1
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	2.4 – 9.1	1.36 lb	2
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	2.4 – 9.1	0.72 lb	3
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.0 – 8.0	1.64 lb	1
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	2.4 – 9.1	1.02 lb	7
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	1.0 – 8.0	1.29 lb	7
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	1.3 (below normal)	2.4 – 9.1	1.38 lb	12
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	1.0 – 8.0	1.29 lb	8
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	3.7 (normal)	2.4 – 9.1	1.46 lb	33
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	1.0 – 8.0	1.21 lb	6
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	2.4 – 9.1	1.59 lb	4

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	0.43 lb	5
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.10 lb	1
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	1.1	—	0.16 lb	10
2009-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.20 lb	3
2009-08-25	Standard trap nets	2.0	—	0.29 lb	18
1984-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.10 lb	1
1992-08-17	Standard trap nets	1.5	—	0.09 lb	12
2021-08-23	Standard trap nets	7.4	—	0.29 lb	67
2021-08-23	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.11 lb	2
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.17 lb	1
2015-08-24	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	0.15 lb	5

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.6 – 5.2	0.80 lb	1
1989-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.5 – 5.5	0.57 lb	3
1997-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.6 – 5.2	0.68 lb	1
2005-08-22	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.6 – 5.2	1.29 lb	6
2005-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 5.5	1.20 lb	3
2015-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 5.5	1.71 lb	1

White Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1989-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 3.5	0.20 lb	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

Adrenaline Sports of Alex

Alexandria, MN

(320) 766-2675

★ 5

Alexandria Jet Ski/Pontoon Rental

Alexandria, MN

(320) 808-5887

★ 5

Ark & Spark

Underwood, MN

(218) 864-5969

★ 4.6

Battle Lake Boat Works

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5567

★ 3.8

Bayside Rentals

Alexandria, MN

(320) 834-3990

★ 2.3

Bobbers Marine & Sports Center

Glenwood, MN

(320) 634-5952

★ 4.2

Resorts & Lodges Near Elk

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Elk.

Barrett Lake Resort-Campground

Fishing Resort Barrett

(320) 528-2598

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Elk. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Other Lakes in Grant County

Nelson

Plan Your Trip to Elk

Weather forecast for Elk — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 45.8672°N, 95.8046°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Elk

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Green Sunfish

Black Crappie

Black Bullhead

Bluegill

Yellow Perch

Largemouth Bass

Walleye

Northern Pike

Common Carp

White Sucker

Spottail Shiner

Yellow Bullhead

Hybrid Sunfish

Brown Bullhead

White Crappie

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Chumpy's Bait Shop

Ben's Bait Shop

Bosek Fisheries and Wholesale Live Bait

Brophy Bay Mart

Christopherson Bait and Tackle

Cowing Robards Sports

Dunham's Sports

Dunham's Sports

Nearby Marinas

Adrenaline Sports of Alex

Alexandria Jet Ski/Pontoon Rental

Ark & Spark

Battle Lake Boat Works

Bayside Rentals

Bobbers Marine & Sports Center

Resorts & Lodges Near Elk

Fish Species

Other Lakes in Grant County

Barrett

Cottonwood

Graham

Lightning

Lower Elk

Nelson

Plan Your Trip to Elk