Walleye fishing at Lower Elk

In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 3 to 10 ft. Summer keeps them at 3 to 10 ft, and they winter in 3 to 10 ft. Fall walleye concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 10 ft. Fish it in the evening and early morning and you'll meet the bite. You won't need more than a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) most summer days.

Yellow Perch fishing at Lower Elk

The spring pattern is a shallow one: yellow perch in 3 to 10 ft. The depth story barely changes: 3 to 10 ft through summer, 3 to 10 ft in winter. The spot to know is Back-bay flat, a weed flat in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in spring. Plan around early morning in the warm months. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Northern Pike fishing at Lower Elk

When the water first warms, northern pike slide up into 2 to 8 ft. Summer is a 3 to 10 ft game here, winter a 3 to 10 ft one. Start at Shallow bay flat. It's a weed flat holding about 2 ft of water and rates prime come spring. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. Keep a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage rigged through the warm months.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Lower Elk

Come spring, look for largemouth bass tight to the bank in 2 to 10 ft. Through summer count on 3 to 10 ft; the winter hold is 3 to 10 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Shallow bay flat: a weed flat around 2 ft that scores prime in spring. Best bite is early morning and the evening. A texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait is the honest summer answer here.

Crappie fishing at Lower Elk

When the water first warms, crappie slide up into 2 to 8 ft. Summer is a 3 to 10 ft game here, winter a 3 to 10 ft one. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 10 ft of water and rates prime come winter. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. Keep a jig trolled/spider-rigged or a small crankbait (trolled) rigged through the warm months.

Bluegill fishing at Lower Elk

Come spring, look for bluegill tight to the bank in 1 to 6 ft. Expect a summer slide to 3 to 10 ft, then a winter hold in 3 to 10 ft. Start at Shallow bay flat. It's a weed flat holding about 2 ft of water and rates prime come spring. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. A small sponge spider (fly) or a micro tube jig is the honest summer answer here.

How deep is Lower Elk?

Lower Elk is about 10 ft (3 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from a DNR lake survey.

What fish are in Lower Elk?

Anglers target walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, common carp on Lower Elk.

Where is the best fishing spot on Lower Elk?

Break off the point is the top-rated area: a drop-off in about 10 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish Lower Elk?

For walleye, the summer bite is best in the evening and 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 Lower Elk stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Lower Elk was most recently stocked 2025 with 65,500 walleye (fry). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Lower Elk?

Fishing on Lower Elk 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.