The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Elk Lake
Antrim County, Michigan · 7,730 acres (12.1 sq mi)
49°F water, calm tomorrow afternoon.
About Elk Lake
In Antrim County, Michigan, Elk Lake covers 7,730 acres; it is a natural lake. Elk Lake is an oligotrophic, deep glacial lake connected to Torch Lake and Lake Skegemog through the Elk River chain of lakes.
From end to end it runs about 9.4 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 35 miles. Its surface is about 590 ft above sea level. It reaches about 192 ft at its deepest. Elk Rapids is on the shore.
- Size
- 7,730 acres (12.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 192 ft
- Shoreline
- About 35 miles
- End to end
- About 9.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 590 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Antrim County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Elk Lake
The fish here: lake trout, trout, smallmouth bass, muskie and yellow perch. At 49°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodMuskie
Fall feed. Big baits along weed edges and breaks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:36 am · sunset 5:14 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Elk Lake
- Elk Rapidson the shore
- Rapid Cityabout 1.8 mi east
- Kalkaskaabout 7.2 mi southeast
- Bellaireabout 8.3 mi northeast
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Questions about Elk Lake
What fish are in Elk Lake?
Elk Lake holds lake trout, trout, smallmouth bass, muskie and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Elk Lake?
About 192 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Elk Lake?
7,730 acres, with about 35 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Elk Lake?
Elk Rapids is on the shore; Rapid City is about 1.8 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Elk Lake today?
The surface was about 49°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Elk Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
