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East Lost Lake is a 501-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately five miles north of Battle Lake, MN. The Otter Tail River flows through East Lost Lake, which is approximately three river miles downstream from Otter Tail Lake. The immediate watershed is composed of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. East Lost Lake has a maximum depth of 36 feet; however, 65% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading, which is a standard measure of water clarity, was 10.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 6.2 to 10.2 feet. A majority of the shoreline is developed with homes and cabins. An unimproved, carry-in DNR public access is located on the west shoreline. Boat access can be obtained through the DNR public access located on adjacent Deer Lake. Stands of hardstem bulrush, wild rice, and common cattail are located at various locations around the lake. These emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical in maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from wave erosion and help absorb excess nutrients. Emergent plants also provide critical spawning habitat for several fish species including northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for many species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants cannot be removed without a DNR permit. With recent high water levels, shoreline erosion has become an increasing concern for lakeshore owners. By using shoreline best management practices (BMP's) and "lakescaping" concepts, impacts of development and shoreline erosion can be minimized. Contact any County Extension Office for information on BMP's and the local DNR Fisheries Office for information on lakescaping techniques. The northern pike test-net catch rate was within the normal range for similar lakes. Age and length data from recent surveys indicate that northern pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern pike ranged in length from 10.4 to 23.3 inches with an average length and weight of 16.4 inches and 0.9 pounds. Northern pike reach an average length of 19.3 inches at age three. Data from recent assessments indicate that a balanced largemouth bass population exists. Age data indicate bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 8.6 to 15.4 inches with an average length and weight of 12.4 inches and 1.2 pounds. Bass reach an average length of 11.7 at age four. The bluegill test-net catch rate was within the normal range for similar lakes; however, it was the lowest recorded for this lake. Bluegill size structure remains good with 27% of the bluegill sample measuring 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills reach an average length of 7.0 inches at age six. The walleye test-net catch rate was within the normal range for similar lakes. Walleyes ranged in length from 9.5 to 23.7 inches with an average length and weight of 16.7 inches and 1.7 pounds. Walleyes reach an average length of 15.3 inches at age four. Anglers can also maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.