Lake Whitefish fishing at Elbow

Come spring, look for lake whitefish tight to the bank in 15 to 45 ft. Expect a summer slide to 15 to 50 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 50 ft. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 50 ft of water and rates prime come summer. Prime time lands in early morning. A blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon is the honest summer answer here.

Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Elbow

Come spring, look for cisco (lake herring) tight to the bank in 10 to 40 ft. Expect a summer slide to 15 to 50 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 50 ft. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 50 ft of water and rates prime come summer. Prime time lands in early morning. A vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic is the honest summer answer here.

Walleye fishing at Elbow

Spring walleye on Elbow hold shallow, usually 4 to 15 ft. They move out to 15 to 35 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 40 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 28 ft that grades prime for fall. The feeding windows run the evening and early morning. The summer box starts with a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled).

Yellow Perch fishing at Elbow

Early season yellow perch use the shallows, holding in 3 to 12 ft. Expect a summer slide to 10 to 30 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 28 ft that grades prime for summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Elbow

In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 5 to 15 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 1 ft, rated prime for spring northern pike. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage most summer days.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Elbow

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 45 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 28 ft, rated prime for winter smallmouth bass. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig most summer days.

How deep is Elbow?

Elbow is about 50 ft (15 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1952, a decades-old survey (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Elbow?

Anglers target lake whitefish, cisco (lake herring), walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed on Elbow.

Where is the best fishing spot on Elbow?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 50 ft of water that rates prime for lake whitefish in summer. The interactive chart above rates every spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Elbow?

For lake whitefish, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Elbow stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Elbow was most recently stocked 2025 with 7,224 walleye (fingerlings). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Elbow?

Fishing on Elbow is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. Check the official Minnesota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.