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Lost Lake

lakeItasca County, Minnesota · near Bigfork89 acres58 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Lost Lake

Lost Lake is an 89-acre lake near Bigfork in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Lost Lake Forest Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

Plan Your Visit to Lost Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 89 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Bigfork
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
  • Average water clarity around 8 feet
  • Camping close to the water at Lost Lake Forest Campground

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
Minnesota DNR

Conditions

Surface area
89 acres
Max depth
28 ft
Shoreline
1.8 mi
Water clarity
8 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
46 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 (concrete)
  • Camping: Lost Lake Forest Campground

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Lakeside camping
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
10
Game fish
8
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2015
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.

Camping & Reservations

Lost Lake Forest Campground is mapped on or near Lost Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.

Activities

FishingIce FishingPaddlingCamping

Amenities

Boat RampCampground

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchRock BassHybrid SunfishWhite Sucker

Plan your trip to Lost Lake

Compare Lost Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lost Lake?

Lost Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. It covers 89 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Lost Lake?

Lost Lake covers 89 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.

What fish can you catch at Lost Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Lost Lake?

Yes. Lost Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Lost Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Lost Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lost Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.

Can you camp at Lost Lake?

Yes. Lost Lake Forest Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.