The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lost Island Lake
Palo Alto County, Iowa · 1,160 acres (1.8 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Lost Island Lake
In Palo Alto County, Iowa, Lost Island Lake covers 1,160 acres; it is a natural lake. Lost Island Lake straddles Palo Alto and Clay counties north of Ruthven, Iowa.
It stretches about 1.8 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 6.2 miles. Its surface is about 1,350 ft above sea level. It reaches about 16 ft at its deepest. Emmetsburg is about 11 miles east.
- Size
- 1,160 acres (1.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 16 ft
- Shoreline
- About 6.2 miles
- End to end
- About 1.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,350 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Palo Alto County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Iowa mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 45°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 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
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:10 am · sunset 4:57 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lost Island Lake
- Emmetsburgabout 11 mi east
- Spencerabout 11 mi west
- Esthervilleabout 15 mi north
- Milfordabout 16 mi northwest
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Questions about Lost Island Lake
What fish are in Lost Island Lake?
Lakes like Lost Island Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lost Island Lake?
About 16 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lost Island Lake?
1,160 acres, with about 6.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lost Island Lake?
Emmetsburg is about 11 miles east; Spencer is about 11 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Lost Island Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lost Island Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
