Lake Elsie is a diverse, family-friendly fishing lake in the southeastern corner of North Dakota – a 390-acre lake near Hankinson in Richland County that holds an unusually broad mix of walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and perch. Easy to reach and well-stocked, it’s one of the better small lakes in the southeast. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Lake Elsie at a glance
- Surface area: ~390 acres, with about 5 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~6.5 ft, maximum ~20 ft
- Elevation: ~1,030 ft, in the southeastern North Dakota lowlands
- Location: Richland County, near Hankinson
- Top fish: walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch
How deep is Lake Elsie?
Lake Elsie averages about 6.5 feet deep and reaches roughly 20 feet at its deepest across about 390 acres – a relatively shallow but productive lake. It was named for Elsie Hankinson, daughter of the founder of the nearby town of Hankinson.
Fishing Lake Elsie
Lake Elsie’s strength is its variety: anglers can catch walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill and yellow perch all in one lake. A North Dakota fishing license is required. The mixed habitat and steady stocking make it a productive, well-rounded fishery from boats and the bank, with good winter ice fishing for perch, crappie and pike.
Boating, access and recreation
A public boat ramp serves the lake, and the surrounding area near Hankinson offers a relaxed setting for fishing, paddling and wildlife watching. Nearby Hankinson Hills and the southeastern North Dakota prairie add to the appeal. There’s no developed swimming beach; Elsie is a fishing-and-boating lake.
Water level
As a shallow prairie lake, Lake Elsie’s level can vary with wet and dry cycles. Check current conditions before launching, especially in dry years.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Elsie is near Hankinson in Richland County, southeastern North Dakota, off ND-11, about 1 hour south of Fargo. The Hankinson area and the South Dakota and Minnesota lines are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Diverse catch: walleye, bass, pike and panfish in one lake – bring varied tackle.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for the mixed fishery; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Elsie?
Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill and yellow perch – an unusually diverse mix.
How deep is Lake Elsie?
It averages about 6.5 feet and reaches roughly 20 feet at its deepest, across about 390 acres.
Where is Lake Elsie?
In Richland County near Hankinson, southeastern North Dakota, about an hour south of Fargo.
Related: explore the small lakes of North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.