Elbow Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. DNR lake ID 56030600.
Elbow Lake is a 188.4-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. Its deepest point reaches 46 ft, and about 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 18.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic 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 Elbow 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56030600 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Battle Lake |
| Surface area | 188.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 46 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 42% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 18.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (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 18.9 ft, phosphorus 11.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Elbow Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Elbow Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 2.83 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.17 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.44 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 62.78 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.67 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.22 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.89 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 36.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2017), Walleye 20.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, White sucker, 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
- Elbow Lake, Bass Elbow: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 2.5 mi W of the city of Battle Lake on Cnty Rd 83, to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Silver Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- South Turtle Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fiske Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Turtle Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lundeberg Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Horseshoe Lake 3.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Molly Stark Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Battle Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Elbow Lake
How deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake reaches a maximum depth of 46 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers about 188.4 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Elbow Lake?
Summer water clarity on Elbow Lake averages 18.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Elbow Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Elbow 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 Elbow Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, white sucker in Elbow Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Elbow Lake, Bass Elbow.
How is the walleye population on Elbow Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2017, walleye numbers on Elbow 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 Elbow Lake?
Homes on Elbow 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 Elbow Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Elbow Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 42% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 18.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Elbow Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Elbow Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Elbow Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.