The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Desperation Lake
North Slope, Alaska · about 1,330 acres (2.1 sq mi)
32°F water, ice 95% cover, calm this afternoon.
About Desperation Lake
Desperation Lake spreads over about 1,330 acres in North Slope, Alaska.
It stretches about 2.7 miles end to end with roughly 8.6 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,290 ft above sea level.
- Size
- About 1,330 acres (2.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,290 ft
- County
- North Slope
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 10:15 am – 12:30 pmsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 2:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Slow
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Alaska, trout and northern pike are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 32°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairTrout
Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Frozen · About 95% ice cover
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 10:46 am · sunset 3:51 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Desperation Lake
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Desperation Lake
What fish are in Desperation Lake?
Lakes like Desperation Lake usually hold trout and northern pike. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Desperation Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Desperation Lake?
About 1,330 acres, with about 8.6 miles of shoreline.
What is the water temperature at Desperation Lake today?
The surface was about 32°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Desperation Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
