Elton

Lake County

Near Prairie Portage

DOW: 38012600

Northern PikeExcellent · 82

A 124-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Lake County — best known for pike. Last surveyed 1980.

Fish Species (2)

Northern Pike

Excellent · 82

Above-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.46 lbs

Catch rate: 7.0 per gill net · typical 1.2–3.9 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 20, 1980	7.00	-	2.46 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 62

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.01 lbs

Catch rate: 9.3 per gill net · typical 2.6–11.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 20, 1980	9.25	-	2.01 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

June 20, 1980(sounding on 9/12/72. So water level flct. (are probably great. Composed of above average populations of Northern Pike and Suckers. Burbot are present…

(sounding on 9/12/72. So water level flct. (are probably great. Composed of above average populations of Northern Pike and Suckers. Burbot are present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Elton?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike in Elton. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Elton?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Elton. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Elton?

Elton has a maximum depth of 53 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Elton last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Elton is from 1980. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Elton have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Elton in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Elton?

No — Elton has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.