Long Lost Lake
About Long Lost Lake
Long Lost Lake is a 539-acre lake near Zerkel in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 14.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19.1 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Long Lost Lake
- 539 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Zerkel
- 1 public boat launch — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 19.1 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 539 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 19.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 275 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- April 2, 2010
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 29, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Long Lost Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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3.7 miles away
Bad Medicine Lake
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Juggler Lake
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Bass Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford204 acres
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Island Lake
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Heart Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Long Lost Lake?
Long Lost Lake is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Zerkel. It covers 539 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Long Lost Lake?
Long Lost Lake covers 539 acres with about 14.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Long Lost Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Long Lost Lake?
Yes. Long Lost Lake has 1 public boat launch, managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Long Lost Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Long Lost Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Long Lost Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Long Lost Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Long Lost Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2010 and the latest is May 14, 2013.