Lost Grove Lake is the Quad Cities’ newest fishing jewel – a deep, clear 400-acre lake in Scott County, eastern Iowa, built by the DNR and filled in 2015. With a maximum depth of about 50 feet and a fishery stocked from scratch with bass, walleye, muskie and panfish, it’s a destination lake on the rise just a short drive from Davenport. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
- Lost Grove Lake at a glance
- How deep is Lost Grove Lake?
- Fishing Lost Grove Lake
- Boating, recreation and access
- Water level and getting there
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- What fish are in Lost Grove Lake?
- How deep is Lost Grove Lake?
- Is there a motor limit on Lost Grove Lake?
- Where is Lost Grove Lake?
Lost Grove Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~400 acres
- Depth: maximum ~50 ft (deep and clear)
- Location: Scott County, eastern Iowa, about 6 miles east of Eldridge
- Built: dam 2010-2012; filled to full pool by 2015 (Iowa DNR)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, black & white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
How deep is Lost Grove Lake?
Lost Grove reaches about 50 feet deep across its 400 acres – notably deep and clear for eastern Iowa, which is exactly why the DNR designed it as a quality fishery. The dam was built between 2010 and 2012, and the lake reached full crest in 2015, so it’s a young, clean lake that’s still maturing into its potential.
Fishing Lost Grove Lake
The DNR stocked Lost Grove from the ground up: bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and redear sunfish starting in 2012, then channel catfish, walleye and muskellunge in 2013. Today anglers find largemouth bass, walleye, muskie, black and white crappie, bluegill and catfish. An Iowa fishing license is required, and special length limits often apply on young trophy-managed lakes – check the current regulations. Boat motors are limited to 5 mph (no-wake), keeping the lake quiet and ideal for fishing from boats, kayaks and the bank.
Boating, recreation and access
With its 5 mph limit, Lost Grove is a calm-water lake for anglers and paddlers, with multiple access points, ramps and a growing wildlife area around the shore. It’s managed for fishing, paddling and low-key recreation rather than powerboating, and offers a quiet natural escape close to the Quad Cities.
Water level and getting there
As a DNR lake, Lost Grove holds a stable pool. It’s in Scott County, eastern Iowa, about 6 miles east of Eldridge near McCausland, a short drive north of Davenport and the Quad Cities.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required; check for special length limits.
- 5 mph limit: a quiet no-wake lake – ideal for fishing and paddling.
- Young, deep lake: clear water with bass, walleye and muskie.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lost Grove Lake?
Largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, black and white crappie, bluegill and channel catfish.
How deep is Lost Grove Lake?
About 50 feet at its deepest, across roughly 400 acres – deep and clear for eastern Iowa.
Is there a motor limit on Lost Grove Lake?
Yes – boat motors are limited to 5 mph (no-wake), keeping it quiet for fishing and paddling.
Where is Lost Grove Lake?
In Scott County, eastern Iowa, about 6 miles east of Eldridge near McCausland, north of Davenport.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.
