Elmo

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Lake Elmo was conducted on August 6, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment 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. Backpack electrofishing was completed at ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample nine stations. One station was not seined due to dense vegetation. Nearshore sampling captured fifteen species of fish, including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Pugnose Shiner, and Smallmouth Bass) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2025 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based index of biological 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., Green Sunfish and Common Carp). 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. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Lake Elmo is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that is above the exceptional use threshold determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous findings which indicated that Lake Elmo is fully supporting aquatic life. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Lower St. Croix River watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Lake Elmo by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Lake Elmo is a 292-acre lake located in the City of Lake Elmo, Washington County. The lake is one of the deepest in the state at 140 feet deep and likely intersects the Jordan Sandstone, receiving continuous groundwater input. The local watershed is 1,191 acres and does not include the watershed of Eagle Point Lake (11,502 acres) which typically bypasses Lake Elmo via pipe. Because of the limited watershed and high groundwater inputs the water quality of Lake Elmo is quite good, easily exceeding the state water quality standards for deep lakes. Additionally, over half of the local watershed is located in Lake Elmo Park Reserve and is undeveloped. Washington County Parks maintains a year-round boat access within the park and also provides numerous

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community on Lake Elmo was conducted July 5th and 6th, 2018 by East Metro Fisheries staff. Sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 stations. Seining occurred at 8 of the 10 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 12 native species of fish. Sunfish were the most abundant species sampled by both gear types, followed by Shiners and Darters. Six species sampled in the 2018 near shore and standard surveys are classified as intolerant and indicate that Lake Elmo has high water quality and a stable environment. Data from this targeted nearshore survey is combined with data from a standard gill and trap netting survey conducted the week of June 4th, 2018 to calculate a Fish-based Index of Biologic Integrity (FIBI) score that describes the overall health of the lake. 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. 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. The FIBI score of 77 for Lake Elmo based on this survey is above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Lower Saint Croix Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Elmo. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Elmo has a maximum depth of 140 feet and a mean depth of 31 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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