Fishing Lost Island Lake

AKA: Lost Island Lake County Park

Most Popular Fish
Lost Island Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lost Island Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species Lost Island Lake, IA

Walleye Fishing

Lost Island Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Lost Island Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A healthy population of black crappie roam the waters of Lost Island Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Lost Island Lake Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

Recent successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Lost Island Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing for white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lost Island Lake in Iowa.

Lost Island Lake Fishing Video

A popular ice fishing destination in winter, Lost Island Lake also has a reputation for good fishing in warm weather. This 1,260-acre lake is located in northwest Iowa 2 miles north of Ruthven.

Lost Island Lake in Iowa is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of fish species and a picturesque setting. Located near Ruthven, this 1,200-acre lake provides anglers with exceptional opportunities to catch a variety of popular fish.

One of the sought-after fish species in Lost Island Lake is walleye. The lake's clear waters and abundant forage make it an ideal habitat for walleye. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs, or live bait rigging. Early morning and evening hours are often prime times to fish for walleye in Lost Island Lake.

Another popular species in Lost Island Lake is yellow perch. These feisty panfish provide excellent angling opportunities throughout the year. Perch can be caught using small jigs, spinners, or live bait near weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structures. They offer great action and are highly prized for their delicious fillets.

Lost Island Lake is also home to other fish species, including black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Anglers can target black crappie using small jigs or minnows near submerged structures or brush piles. Bluegill can be found near vegetation or along the lake's edges and can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets. Largemouth bass and northern pike provide thrilling fishing experiences, with anglers targeting them near weed beds, structure, or along the shoreline.

In summary, Lost Island Lake in Iowa offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including walleye, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. With its boating options, camping facilities, and picturesque surroundings, Lost Island Lake provides a complete outdoor experience for anglers and nature lovers, making it a top destination for fishing in the heart of Iowa.

Within 7 miles of shoreline bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch and northern pike reside in good numbers. Walleye, channel catfish and pike top the list of locals. Amenities include a nice boat launch ramp and camping at Lost Island Huston Park, a pier, a fish cleaning station and open areas for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Lost Island Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lost Island Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lost Island Lake, with boat ramps available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots and enjoy the flexibility of reaching different areas. Whether it's cruising, water skiing, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, boating adds another layer of enjoyment to the fishing experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hudson Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off 350th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Lost Island Lake

Lip Ripper Guide Service - walleye

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Lost Island Lake, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lost Island – Huston Park Campground - 712 837-4866

East Leach Park Campground - 712 580-7265