Lower Elk

This targeted survey was completed to determine extent of winterkill following the severe 2022-2023 winter. Trap netting results indicated winterkill severity was high. Only two species (Black Bullhead and Yellow Perch) were captured. Due to frequency of winterkill on this basin, future management will focus on maintaining a Walleye/Yellow Perch fishery. Walleye fry were stocked in spring 2023.

Lower Elk Lake is a 131-acre shallow, productive basin located north of Hoffman in eastern Grant County within the Chippewa River watershed. Maximum depth is just 13 feet. Water quality and clarity is seasonally poor in response to algae blooms stimulated by excessive nutrient levels that come from the predominantly agricultural watershed. Summer water clarity measurements rarely exceed 3 feet. Submerged vegetation is limited and is usually found in extremely shallow areas adjacent to the shoreline. This lake is not highly developed and recreational pressure is minimal. A public access is located on the west shoreline. Shallow, productive basins like Lower Elk Lake are susceptible to periodic winterkill events. The last severe winterkill occurred during the 2018-2019 winter. Following this winterkill event, restorative stockings of multiple gamefish species (Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellow Perch) occurred in spring 2019. A standard lake survey was completed during summer 2022 to assess the fish community and gain updated estimates of abundance and size structure of gamefish populations following the 2019 restorative stockings. Survey results suggest that those stockings were successful. Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch were all abundant. However, most of these gamefish populations were dominated by younger individuals and average size was relatively small. Size structure of these populations should improve if fast growth rates can be maintained, and future winterkill events can be avoided. Other gamefish species captured included Northern Pike and Walleye. Both populations exhibited low abundance but large average size. Other species sampled included the following: Bigmouth Buffalo, Black, Brown and Yellow Bullhead, Common Carp, and Orangespotted Sunfish. The next standard survey is tentatively scheduled for 2029.

This targeted survey was completed to determine extent of winterkill following the severe 2021-2022 winter. Survey components included late-winter water quality measurement and early-spring trap netting. Late-winter dissolved oxygen readings were low, which indicated gamefish losses due to winterkill were possible. However, trap netting results suggested that winterkill severity was low and restorative stockings were not warranted. Gamefish species present in early spring included Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch.

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

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

Lower Elk has a maximum depth of 13 feet and a mean depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Lower Elk is from 2022.

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