Elbow

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Elbow Lake was conducted August 22nd - 23rd, 2024, by Detroit Lakes Fisheries Staff. Data was collected from 14 sampling stations evenly spaced around the lake. All stations were sampled with a backpack electrofishing unit, 3 were sampled with a 50-foot seine and 3 stations were sampled with a 15-foot seine. Eight stations were not sampled with a seine because of dense vegetation, water being too deep or muck being too thick to effectively use a seine. Nearshore sampling captured 21 species of native fish, which included eight species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Mimic Shiner, Least Darter, Iowa Darter, Rock Bass, and Mottled Sculpin) and two species that is tolerant of disturbance (Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish). The three most common species captured during the nearshore survey in order of abundance were: Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, and Yellow Perch. The nearshore fish survey data was combined with the standard survey data from July 2024 to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (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, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). 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 will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to a watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. Elbow Lake is located in the Otter Tail River Watershed.

Elbow (Big Elbow) is a 986-acre, class 25 lake located in north-central Becker County, within the White Earth Indian Reservation. The lake has a max depth of 76.0 feet and a mean water clarity reading of 12 feet. The surrounding watershed is mixed hardwood and conifer forest. Of the six small inlets, Elbow Lake Creek (designated trout stream) and Bear Creek (surrounded by an Aquatic Management Area ) have the most continuous flows. The Otter Tail River outlet exits the southern tip of the lake and flows to Little Bemidji Lake. Elbow Lake is considered the source of the Otter Tail River. A resort is located in the northeast portion of the lake and a public boat access located in one of the northeastern bays of the lake. A boat access is also available from Little Bemidji Lake through the Otter Tail River outlet. A standard survey was completed on Elbow Lake in July 2024 to assess the fish community. The survey was conducted using 9 gill nets and 12 trap nets. The primary gamefish species targeted by anglers in this lake include Walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. Walleye abundance continued to be below the historical average for this lake. Walleyes were sampled with sizes ranging from 8 to 25.5 inches and had an average size of 14 inches. Elbow Lake is stocked with Walleye fry every year, but past studies have suggested that natural reproduction of Walleye also occurs. Northern Pike abundance was higher than the lake's historical average in 2024. Northern Pike lengths ranged from 14 to 33.5 inches and averaged 22 inches. Nearly 30% of the Northern Pike captured were greater than 24 inches in length. The Bluegill population was lower in abundance than recent surveys. Bluegills are slow growing, and small in size in Elbow Lake. Bluegills over 8 inches are present, but the majority of the population was between 3 to 7.5 inches long. Yellow Perch abundance was much lower than the historical average, and numbers captured in nets have been declining since 2018. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5 to 8.5 inches and averaged 6 inches in length. Tullibee (Cisco) lengths ranged from 8 to 15.5 inches. Abundance has decreased since the 2018 survey but is still greater than the historical average for the lake. Tullibee are a high protein food source for large predators such as Walleye and Northern Pike. Other species sampled during this survey included Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead. Minnow traps were set in Elbow Lake for Rusty Crayfish, a known aquatic invasive species (AIS). The population is believed to be lower than previous years, with a total of 2 Rusty Crayfish captured in the minnow traps in 2024. AIS can be transferred from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can negatively impact lakes and aquatic communities. To avoid the spreading of AIS to other waters, please follow the current AIS regulations. Aquatic habitat in Elbow Lake included areas of dense Chara (a native aquatic plant) near the shoreline, submergent vegetation in shallow bays and shoreline breaks, and emergent vegetation present in multiple areas. The continued protection of vegetation is important for shoreline stabilization and aquatic communities in Elbow Lake.

Elbow Lake is a 995-acre lake located 20 miles east of the town of Waubun in Becker County. The lake lies within the White Earth Indian Reservation and is surrounded by mixed hardwood and conifer forest. A survey intended to target Walleye was performed on Elbow Lake in July 2021 in an effort to evaluate the Walleye fry stocking regime implemented in 2017 and the abundance of Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Walleye abundance in 2021 was similar to past surveys. Sampled Walleye ranged in length between 12 and 30 inches and averaged 20 inches long, comparable to the 2018 survey. Walleye in Elbow Lake reached an average length of 16 inches by age four, exhibiting average growth rates relative to statewide indices. Northern Pike abundance continues to remain above average. Sampled pike measured between eight and 36 inches, averaging 23 inches long. Approximately 38% of sampled pike were 24 inches or longer and 11% were 30 inches or longer. Yellow Perch abundance in Elbow Lake has increased in recent years, but is still below average. Sampled perch averaged seven inches long and ranged in length between 5 and 10 inches. Cisco abundance was similar to past surveys, with fish averaging 11 inches. Additional species sampled included hybrid sunfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Bullhead (Brown and Yellow), Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.

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

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

Elbow has a maximum depth of 76 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Elbow is from 2024.

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