Healthy lakes support healthy fisheries. Through habitat restoration, scientific research, education, and community involvement, ESLA works to preserve the Elk River Chain of Lakes as a thriving home for fish, wildlife, and future generations of anglers. Whether you’re looking for fishing resources, exploring fish habitat, or introducing a child to their first catch, you’ll find something here.
Between 2012 and 2014, volunteers from ESLA and neighboring lake associations built dozens of underwater fish habitat structures throughout the Elk River Chain of Lakes. These structures were designed to improve habitat for baitfish, crayfish, and aquatic life that support a healthy fish population.
Fish shelters create places where smaller fish and aquatic organisms can feed, hide, and reproduce. By strengthening the food web, these structures help support a healthier lake ecosystem. Healthy habitat supports:
Elk Lake contains 15 shelter locations, each consisting of three different habitat structures.
Each site includes:
Skegemog Lake was not included because it already contains abundant natural habitat, including submerged logs, stumps, and aquatic vegetation.
Fish habitat work on Elk Lake dates back more than a century. Beginning in the early 1900s, the Michigan Department of Conservation and later the DNR placed weighted trees and wooden structures along shoreline drop-offs to improve fish habitat. Today’s volunteer-built shelters continue that tradition using natural materials and modern habitat designs.
Everything you need to explore the Fish Shelter Project.
Download Maps:
This map shows the location of all of currently installed shelters (GROUPS OF THREE) and will be updated as more shelters are placed:
Whether you’re a lifelong angler or casting a line for the first time, our Fishing Guide introduces the unique fisheries of Elk and Skegemog Lakes, including fish species, stocking efforts, invasive species, and fishing techniques.
Topics include
ESLA invites young anglers to celebrate summer memories on the Elk River Chain of Lakes. Download the flyer.
Submit your favorite fishing photo from: Elk Lake, Skegemog Lake, Elk River, Torch River, Rapid River
Photos are judged on: Creativity, excitement and photo quality. Not the size of the fish!
Email: elkskegemoglakes@gmail.com
Contest runs June–August.
Healthy fisheries begin with healthy lakes. You can support ESLA’s work by:
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