Getting There: Lost Lake is accessible via forest roads in the Coast Range Mountains west of Hwy 26. Take Hwy 26 to Nehalem River Road. Follow Nehalem River Road south about 8 miles to Spruce Run Park. From Hwy 101, take Miami River-Foley Creek Road to Foss Road. Take Foss Road (becomes Nehalem River Road) northeast about 15 miles to Spruce Run Park. Turn east on Lost Lake Road and proceed about 5 miles to the lake.

Fisheries: Lost Lake supports a popular rainbow trout fishery. Legal-sized rainbow trout are stocked in the spring (March-May). Larger (approx.14 inch) trout are stocked in mid-June. Trophy trout (approx.18 inches) are stocked in mid-September. Surplus hatchery winter steelhead are stocked when available from December to February. These fish average about 6-8 lbs.

Useful Information: Lost Lake is located in a forested setting in the Coast Range Mountains west of Hwy 26 in the Nehalem River drainage. The lake is relatively small, about 15 acres.

Tackle & Techniques: Productive techniques for trout include using floating baits suspended off the bottom (use a 2-3 foot leader above a sliding weight with a small hook and a pea- to marble size- piece of bait), or baits such as worms or salmon eggs suspended beneath a bobber (use a small bobber with just enough weight about 1-2 feet above the hook to cast the bobber out without sinking). Casting lures such as spinners and spoons will also catch fish. Fishing sand shrimp beneath a bobber can be productive for the surplus hatchery steelhead.

Facilities: The lake offers public bank access around the entire lake. A boat launch is available for small boats. Camping is available nearby at Henry Rierson Spruce Run Park.

Fees: None.

Alternate Activities: Good opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly deer and elk. The Nehalem River is nearby, offering steelhead fishing in the spring and catch and release sea-run cutthroat fishing in the summer. Nearby state parks: Nehalem Bay State Park, Oswald West State Park.

For More Information:
ODFW North Coast Watershed District Office — (503) 842-2741