Kjostad Lake
About Kjostad Lake
Kjostad Lake is a 437-acre lake near Buyck in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Kjostad Lake
- 437 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Buyck
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 437 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 286 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Kjostad Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck145 acres
1.9 miles away
Myrtle Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr876 acres
4.1 miles away
Ban Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr389 acres
5.4 miles away
Winchester Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr319 acres
5.4 miles away
Kabustasa Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr115 acres
5.9 miles away
Elbow Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Gheen1,695 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kjostad Lake?
Kjostad Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Buyck. It covers 437 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Kjostad Lake?
Kjostad Lake covers 437 acres with about 6.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Kjostad Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Kjostad Lake?
Yes. Kjostad Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Kjostad Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Kjostad 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 Kjostad Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Kjostad Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.