About Elkhorn Lake
Elkhorn Lake is a scenic Walworth County lake worth knowing about, covering 29 acres. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Note that invasive species (Eurasian Water-Milfoil) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
42.65860° N, 88.53050° W
WBIC 794000 · Wisconsin DNRLocal's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Elkhorn Lake has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 29-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Elkhorn Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Elkhorn Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Walworth County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Elkhorn Lake is one of Walworth County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about Elkhorn Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Present
Eurasian Water-Milfoil
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice out arrives in late March to early April on southern Wisconsin lakes. Bass and panfish fishing is excellent from early May onward. Swimming season runs from early June through September. Fall color peaks in mid-October. Ice fishing is possible in most winters but season length varies — check conditions before heading out.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Invasive Species Present
Eurasian Water-Milfoil has been documented in Elkhorn Lake. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.
Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.Frequently Asked Questions
Can you boat on Elkhorn Lake?
Elkhorn Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Elkhorn Lake?
Elkhorn Lake has 29 acres in surface area.
Are there invasive species in Elkhorn Lake?
Yes — Eurasian Water-Milfoil has been documented in Elkhorn Lake. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Where is Elkhorn Lake located?
Elkhorn Lake is located in Walworth County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 42.6586° N, 88.5305° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Elkhorn Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Walworth County lakes. Check our Elkhorn Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Walworth County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Elkhorn Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 18" and the daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 794000
- County
- Walworth County
- Surface Area
- 29 acres
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 42.6586, -88.5305
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Elkhorn Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.