Elk

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Elk Lake was conducted on July 29th, 2019 by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot seine. Nearshore sampling captured 26 species of fish including four species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter, Logperch, Smallmouth Bass) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from the week of June 24th, 2019 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. Iowa Darter, Logperch, Smallmouth Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g. 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. The FIBI score for Elk Lake is above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar shallow lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Mississippi River (St. Cloud) Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Big Elk Lake is a 360 acre lake located near the town of Clear Lake in Sherburne County. The lake has a maximum depth of only nine feet. A public access is located on the east side of the lake. The watershed is large and land use is primarily agriculture with some pasture. The Elk River flows through Big Elk Lake and fish species found in rivers are common. Anglers can expect good fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike, and panfish. The last survey was conducted in 2009. Both emergent (primarily cattails) and submerged vegetation are rare in the lake. Submerged vegetation was not sampled in 2019 but sago and narrow-leaf pondweed were present in 2009. Water clarity was moderate; Secchi depth was 6.0 feet in late June and MPCA data show a ten-year summer average of 2.8 feet. Walleye are not stocked in Big Elk Lake and the population is sustained through natural reproduction presumed to occur within the Elk River. Walleye numbers have been stable over several surveys and the catch in 2019 was similar to previous surveys from 1986 to 1999. These catches are all within the expected range of values for lakes that are similar to Big Elk. Walleye lengths ranged from 7.5 to 22.5 inches with an average length and weight of 17.7 inches and 2.1 pounds. Thirty-six percent of Walleye were 20 inches or longer. Natural reproduction was consistent; ages ranged from two to nine years old with seven year classes present. Growth was fast; females reached 18.8 inches by age three. Northern Pike numbers were lower than in 2009, but within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Previous catches have been quite variable with the highest catch in 2009. Lengths ranged from 12.0 to 34.8 inches with an average length and weight of 22.3 inches and 2.6 pounds. Twelve percent of Northern Pike were 26 inches or longer, and two percent were 30 inches or longer. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass were sampled by daytime electrofishing on May 20th. The catch rates for Largemouth Bass (6.6/hour) and Smallmouth Bass (23.1/hour) were well below the Sauk Rapids average of 43.3/hour for Largemouth Bass, but higher than 2009 when no Largemouth Bass and only one Smallmouth Bass were captured. Largemouth Bass lengths ranged from 10.3 to 15.7 inches with an average length of 12.3 inches. Smallmouth Bass lengths ranged from 12.3 to 19.8 inches with an average length of 15.9 inches. Lack of vegetation and turbidity from the Elk River may limit success of both species. Bluegill numbers were higher than 2009, but within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Bluegill lengths ranged from 4.3 to 7.7 inches with an average length of 6.7 inches. Black Crappie numbers were much higher than 2009 and above the range of expected values. Black Crappie lengths ranged from 5.1 to 12.4 inches with an average length of 8.2 inches. Eight percent of crappies were 10 inches or longer. The Yellow Perch catch rate was higher than 2009 and the highest on record, but within the expected range of values. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.0 to 10.1 inches with an average length of 6.9 inches. Other species captured included: Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

Big Elk Lake (360 acres) is a general development lake located in western Sherburne County. The lake is shallow (nine feet maximum) and greatly influenced by the Elk River which flows through it. For instance, studies have shown that the largest phosphorous inputs to Big Elk Lake are from the Elk River (77% of total phosphorous). Riverine fish species were common: silver and shorthead redhorse, and white sucker. Beneficially, walleye reproduce and provide a fishery that doesnt need stocking. In spite of the (eutrophic) riverine influence the fish populations have been stable, for the most part, since 1980. Walleye exist at moderate levels and populations of most sport species were at low levels. Walleye have not been stocked in Big Elk Lake since 1980 although the Briggs Chain Association was granted a permit to stock in 2009. In 2009 the catch was 3.7 walleye/gill net. This compares to previous surveys (in 1986, 1993, and 1999) when the catch rate was about the same. Average weight and length were 20 inches and three pounds. Growth of female walleye was fast, reaching nearly 18 inches by age three; and males grew to 16 inches by age three. Anglers report good fishing for walleye especially in the spring at the mouth of the Elk River where it enters Elk Lake. The catch rate of northern pike (10.8/gill net) increased significantly over 1999 (5.0/net) and was above the expected range for the lake class. Average length and weight were still good, 22 inches and three pounds, respectively. Northern pike ranged in length from 12 to 36 inches. Thirty-two percent of northern pike were greater than 24 inches. Growth of northern pike was faster than statewide averages. Both male and female northern pike reached 24 inches in four years. Anglers can expect above average success for northern pike. As in 1999 no largemouth bass were taken during spring electrofishing or with gill and trap nets. One smallmouth bass was captured. Lack of vegetation in Big Elk Lake may limit the panfish populations. Turbid conditions (caused by the flow of the Elk River), feeding activity of carp, and the sand and gravel substrate inhibit plant survival in Big Elk Lake. Bluegill populations were low as they were in the last survey in 1999. The bluegill catch has been below the range of normal in all of the surveys since 1980. The black crappie catch also was below the expected range for lake class 43. Catch rates for white sucker (32/gill net) have been high in each of the past five surveys (average 24.5/gill net). Black bullhead numbers (1.3/trap) have declined from 1986 (11.2/trap. Catch rates of common carp (0.11/trap) were below the normal range for the lake class, although the trap nets probably understate the true abundance which is thought to be higher.

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

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

Elk has a maximum depth of 9 feet and a mean depth of 5.4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Elk is from 2019.

Yes — Elk has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.