Elbow Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. DNR lake ID 56051400.
Elbow Lake is a 95.9-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. Its deepest point reaches 85 ft, and about 28% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
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.
Tell us about your dream home on Elbow LakeWhat’s my Elbow Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56051400 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Dent |
| Surface area | 95.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 85 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 28% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.3 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.3 ft.
Fishing on Elbow Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1991 (35 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 5.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.25 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.0 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 4.75 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 79.5 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 29.5 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 11.0 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 26.75 | n/a |
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Sunfish Lake 1.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Silent Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Brown Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hoffman Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- West McDonald Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pine Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Moore Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Elbow Lake
How deep is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake reaches a maximum depth of 85 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 28% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake covers about 95.9 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Elbow Lake?
Summer water clarity on Elbow Lake averages 12.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
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.
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 28% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.3 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 1991), 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.