The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Elm Lake
Brown County, South Dakota · about 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
Calm this morning.
About Elm Lake
In Brown County, South Dakota, Elm Lake covers about 840 acres.
From end to end it runs about 5.8 miles with roughly 22 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,460 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Ellendale, is about 8.4 miles northeast.
- Size
- About 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 22 miles
- End to end
- About 5.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,460 ft
- County
- Brown County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Saturday Fair
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 17 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual South Dakota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Yellow perch
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 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
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:32 am · sunset 5:04 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Elm Lake
- Ellendaleabout 8.4 mi northeast
- Leolaabout 14 mi southwest
- Aberdeenabout 29 mi south
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Questions about Elm Lake
What fish are in Elm Lake?
Lakes like Elm Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Elm Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Elm Lake?
About 840 acres, with about 22 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Elm Lake?
Ellendale is about 8.4 miles northeast; Leola is about 14 miles southwest.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Elm Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Elm Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
