Elm Island

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Elm Island Lake was conducted beginning on June 17th, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Fourteen sampling stations were completed with backpack electrofishing. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample seven stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at four stations. Three stations were not seined due to heavy vegetation and soft sediments. Nearshore sampling captured 13 species of fish including one species that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Rock Bass) and zero that are tolerant of disturbance. Additionally, a summer trap net survey was conducted one week prior to the nearshore survey by LBMA program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured seven species of fish, including zero that are intolerant of disturbance. Bluegill and Bowfin comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bowfin and Northern Pike comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a June 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. Results from this survey and surveys in 2019 and 2023 provide evidence that the fish community in Elm Island Lake is improving as indicated by FIBI scores above the general use impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River - Brainerd watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Elm Island Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Elm Island Lake was conducted on August 6, 2023 by Aitkin Area Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all fourteen sampling stations, but six stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Only eight stations were suitable for seine netting. A 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations and a 15-foot seine was used at six stations. Nearshore sampling captured 17 species of fish including three species that were intolerant of disturbance (ie., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, and Rock Bass) and one that was tolerant of disturbance (ie., Black Bullhead). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a August 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey indicates Elm Island Lake is in good health as indicated by an FIBI score above the impairment threshold for aquatic life used determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to Mississippi River (Brainerd) Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Elm Island Lake is located about six miles southeast of Aitkin and is part of the Ripple River chain of lakes. There is a small public access on the west shore near the lake's outlet. The earthen ramp and relatively shallow depth limit the size of watercraft able to be launched. Winter access is also limited due to flowing water at the outlet, which creates poor ice conditions that make vehicle travel from the access unsafe. The lake provides good opportunities for panfish and Northern Pike fishing, with some anglers able to catch a few Walleyes at certain times of the year. Black Crappie and Bluegills in Elm Island Lake have significantly different population characteristics, which have persisted throughout the history of fisheries surveys. Black Crappie are abundant, grow slowly, and rarely exceed 10 inches. On the other hand, Bluegill are relatively low density, grow quickly, and commonly reach larger sizes. The combination of the two populations provides ample harvest opportunity for Black Crappie, as well as a quality size component for Bluegill, each of which is desirable to anglers. The abundance of harvestable Black Crappie may help to preserve the favorable size structure of the Bluegill population by buffering exploitation of larger individuals. Selective harvest of Bluegill is encouraged to maintain their quality size structure. Northern Pike abundance has increased since the previous survey and is on the upper range for this type of lake and above the Elm Island Lake historic average. Pike size structure remained good with fish ranging from 13.8 to 31.5 inches and averaged 22.8 inches and 2.7 pounds. Larger pike play an important role in regulating survival and growth of various species. Anglers are encouraged to release pike greater than 26 inches to help protect the vital function these fish provide in the ecosystem and to allow additional opportunities for others through recycling these sporting fish. Walleye stocking has occurred regularly since the 1970's at various frequencies, sizes, and densities of fish, but has had only limited success. Lakes with similar physical characteristics typically support a low density Walleye population. The 2023 catch rate of 1.2 per gill net was near the long-term average and within the expected range for similar lakes. Historical catch rates from ten previous surveys of Elm Island Lake have ranged from 0.1 to 2.7 per gill net. Maintaining habitat is important for both fish and wildlife resources. In addition to the excellent stands of wild rice and the generally sparse bulrush along the shoreline, coarse woody habitat such as fallen trees and branches offer additional habitat that should be left in place for the benefit of most fish species in Elm Island Lake. While it can be inconvenient when a tree falls into one's dock or swimming area, consider moving it to an area along your shoreline that is clear of your activity, rather than removing it from the lake. Benefits of good habitat stewardship are often rewarded with good fishing.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch in Elm Island. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Elm Island. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Elm Island has a maximum depth of 25 feet and a mean depth of 9 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Elm Island is from 2025.

No invasive species are on record for Elm Island in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.