Fishing at Elbow Lake, Becker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  This water sits in Becker County, Minnesota. Elevation runs to 1,496 feet. At some 981 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Around 13 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. It ranks high for size among our Becker County listings. Mahnomen lies 23 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Fargo, 62 miles away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Elbow Lake

  Sounding records show water to about 80 feet. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Elbow Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 67°F in July and bottom out at 4°F in January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. On Elbow Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A jetty or pier is mapped about half a mile from here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Johnson Lake sits 1 mile off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Elbow Lake.