Elk River Fishing
Sherburne County and Benton County.
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First look at the Elk River
Through Sherburne County and Benton County, the Elk River cuts its way as a river. Its Minnesota length on the map is about 79 miles. Measured from the route midpoint, Gilman sits about 5 miles off.
1 active gauge report from the channel. 2 public accesses give boat access.
Discharge on the Elk River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Elk River Near Big Lake, Mn | 161 cfs, 1.16 ft gage height | Nov 12 5:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 5:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Canoe put-ins along the Elk River
- Elk River, Twp Park Accesscarry-in access, 8 trailer stalls, toilet, Sherburne County, river mile 17.2
- Elk River, 166 Street Access1 ramp, Sherburne County, river mile 11.2
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Harvest rules on the Elk River
No special regulation names the Elk River, so statewide rows apply.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Lakes worth a look near Elk River
- Mayhew Lake, Benton County4 miles
- Little Rock Lake, Benton County8 miles
- George Lake, Stearns County11 miles
- Heritage Center Ponds Lake13 miles
Tackle stops on the way to Elk River
- Mimbach Fleet Supplyfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Sauk Rapids, 8 miles
- Stop Light Baitbait and tackle shop, Saint Cloud, 10 miles
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, St Cloud, 10 miles
- St. Cloud SCHEELSsporting goods store, St. Cloud, 13 miles
- DICK'S Sporting Goods Waite Parksporting goods store, Waite Park, 13 miles
Overnight bases for Elk River
- Gilman5 miles
- Foley6 miles
- Sauk Rapids9 miles
- Sartell10 miles
Rivers surrounding the Elk River
- St. Francis River9 miles
- Little Rock Creek14 miles
- Robinson Hill Creek15 miles
- Platte River32 miles
Counties surrounding Elk River
- Sherburne County
- Benton County
Piscifun reels to pack for the Elk River
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The Elk River, asked by anglers
Which Minnesota county holds the Elk River?
It crosses Sherburne County and Benton County.
Which stream trout rules cover the Elk River?
It is not a designated trout stream.
Does a USGS gauge sit on the Elk River?
Readings from 1 USGS gauge are shown above.
Can I put a canoe in the Elk River?
Try Elk River, Twp Park Access, one of 2 public accesses.
Are statewide limits in force on the Elk River?
The statewide table covers it.
Which license do I need on the Elk River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Which shop is nearest the Elk River?
Try Mimbach Fleet Supply (8 miles).
How far is the Elk River from a Minnesota city?
Gilman, about 5 miles from the mapped midpoint.
Does the Elk River have walleye?
No DNR species list is published.
Plan a river day on the Elk River
Check the flow and the rules before you drive.