Natural inland lake (end of Chain of Lakes)

Elk Lake

Antrim & Grand Traverse Counties, Michigan

Elk Lake is an 8,194-acre, clear, oligotrophic lake in Antrim and Grand Traverse counties, Michigan, and the last lake in the 14-lake Chain of Lakes before the Elk River flows to Grand Traverse Bay. It is Michigan's second-deepest inland lake and is known for its distinctive Elk Lake strain of lake trout.

Air temp in Elk Rapids, MI Loading current temperature…

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Elk Lake (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area8,195 acres

Max depth195 ft

Shoreline28 mi

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Lake Trout●●●●○

Unique Elk Lake strain

Smallmouth Bass●●●○○

Rock, gravel and points. Tubes, jerkbaits and drop-shots.

Muskellunge●●○○○

46-inch minimum size limit

Yellow Perch●●●○○

Schools on mud and sand flats. Great through the ice.

Boat launches

2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Elk Lake DNR Water AccessPublic
10324 E Elk Lake Dr, Rapid City; developed launch with dock, Chain of Lakes Water Trail trailhead, pit toilets, Recreation Passport requiredDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the Michigan DNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.

Species	Min size	Daily limit
Muskellunge Elk L. (above Elk Rapids Dam, including tribs) is listed under Muskellunge 46-inch minimum size limit waters	46"	1

Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Michigan Department of Natural Resources ↗

Verified October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Elk Lake ↗

Local tips

Muskellunge must be 46 inches or longer to keep on Elk Lake above the Elk Rapids Dam (including tributaries).
Zebra and quagga mussels are present; clean, drain and dry boats.
A fish consumption advisory is in effect; check Michigan Eat Safe Fish guidance.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Michigan lakes

Torch Lake (Antrim County) Lake Charlevoix Burt Lake Mullett Lake Lake Gogebic Manistique Lake Black Lake Crystal Lake All Michigan lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.