Lost Island Lake is one of Iowa’s large natural lakes – a 1,162-acre glacial lake straddling the Palo Alto-Clay county line in northwest Iowa, known for spring and fall walleye, summer catfish and an impressively diverse fishery. With a swimming beach, a county campground and a broad mix of fish, it’s a popular natural-lake destination south of the Iowa Great Lakes. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lost Island Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~1,162 acres – one of Iowa’s larger natural lakes
- Depth: maximum ~15 ft – a shallow, fertile glacial lake
- Elevation: on the glaciated prairie of northwest Iowa
- Location: Palo Alto & Clay counties (near Ruthven)
- Top fish: walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, white & yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, perch
How big and deep is Lost Island Lake?
Lost Island covers about 1,162 acres, making it one of Iowa’s larger natural lakes, but it’s shallow – only about 15 feet at its deepest. That fertile, shallow water warms quickly and grows a rich, varied fishery, much like the natural lakes of the nearby Iowa Great Lakes region.
Fishing Lost Island Lake
The lake is best known for spring and fall walleye and excellent summer catfish, but its species list is long: largemouth bass, northern pike, white bass, yellow bass, crappie, bluegill and yellow perch all live here. A Iowa fishing license is required. The shallow, fertile water fishes well from boats and the bank, and it’s a productive ice-fishing lake in winter.
Swimming, camping and recreation
Lost Island Lake offers all the water sports across its 1,200 acres, with a swimming beach and dock, two boat ramps, a fish-cleaning station and a county campground (at Lost Island-Huston Park). Boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing fill the summer, and the big open water suits sailing and paddling alike. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly natural lake.
Water level
As a shallow natural lake, Lost Island’s level varies with wet and dry cycles. Check current conditions before a trip, especially in dry years.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lost Island Lake is near Ruthven on the Palo Alto-Clay county line, northwest Iowa, off US-18, about 45 minutes south of the Iowa Great Lakes. The Iowa Great Lakes and the prairie pothole country are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Diverse natural lake: walleye, bass, pike and panfish, with summer catfish.
- Swim & camp: a swimming beach and county campground on the lake.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lost Island Lake?
Walleye (spring and fall), largemouth bass, northern pike, white and yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and yellow perch.
How deep is Lost Island Lake?
About 15 feet at its deepest – a shallow, fertile natural lake of about 1,162 acres.
Where is Lost Island Lake?
On the Palo Alto-Clay county line near Ruthven, northwest Iowa, about 45 minutes south of the Iowa Great Lakes.
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.
