Elm Island Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. DNR lake ID 01012300.
Elm Island Lake is a 519.5-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 75% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 4.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Elm Island Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on Elm Island LakeWhat’s my Elm Island Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01012300 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Aitkin |
| Surface area | 519.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Mean depth | 9.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 75% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 4.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 54.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 20.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 4.5 ft, phosphorus 54.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 20.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Elm Island Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Elm Island Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.33 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.22 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 10.22 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 24.44 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.22 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.56 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.11 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.89 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.22 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (2019), Northern pike 31.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Elm Island Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. 8 miles South and East of Aitkin on Aitkin Co. Rd. #12, then 0.5 mile East on Leehaven Road. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Monson Lake 1.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Sweetman Lake 1.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Lone Lake 1.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Ripple Lake 2.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Section Ten Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Four Lake 2.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Nord Lake 2.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Section Twelve Lake 2.6 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Elm Island Lake
How deep is Elm Island Lake?
Elm Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 75% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Elm Island Lake?
Elm Island Lake covers about 519.5 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Elm Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Elm Island Lake averages 4.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Elm Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Elm Island Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Elm Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in Elm Island Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Elm Island Lake?
Elm Island Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Elm Island Lake.
How is the walleye population on Elm Island Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2019, walleye numbers on Elm Island Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Elm Island Lake?
Homes on Elm Island Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Elm Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Elm Island Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 75% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 4.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Elm Island Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Elm Island Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Elm Island Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.