Deer Lake

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Deer Lake is located northeast of Deer River, Minnesota. There is one public access on the southwest part of the lake. There were 373 homes or cabins counted during the last full survey, indicating moderate to high shoreline development. The 2018 lake management plan (LMP) indicated Muskie, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye as the primary species of management with Northern Pike as a secondary species. The LMP goals include maintaining the Walleye catch near 9.6/net, a spring electrofishing catch of 30 Smallmouth Bass/hr, and a spring Muskie estimate of 0.15 adults/acre with 45% greater than or equal to 42 inches by natural reproduction.

A standard survey was conducted in late July to assess the fish community and evaluate Walleye stocking. A total of 15 gill nets and 15 trap nets were used in the survey. Bass were sampled using night electrofishing in the spring.

Muskie are difficult to sample with standard summer survey methods because they exist at such low densities. Spring sampling of Muskie in the shallows during the spawning period is the best method for evaluating the population. The last Muskie survey was completed in 2017. In the 2023 standard survey, one Muskie was sampled in the gill nets and none in the trap nets. The sampled fish was a 44.9 inch female estimated to be 12 plus years old. It was tagged as a 35.7 incher during the spring of 2017 survey.

Northern Pike catches have always been low on Deer Lake due to a lack of suitable habitat. The highest catch of 1.6 fish/net occurred in 2017. The 2023 catch was 1.0 fish/net. Low pike numbers frequently result in good growth and size structure. The sampled pike ranged from 19.7 to 37.2 inches and averaged 25.3 inches. Six year-classes were identified with fish from age 2 to age 9 present. Growth was fast compared to statewide averages for the first five years then average thereafter. Northern Pike averaged 25.2 inches after four years of growth.

Bass have been sampled with spring, night electrofishing six times from 1995 to 2023. The Largemouth Bass population appears to have expanded from a very low level prior to the mid-1990s. Catch rates increased from 2.2 fish/hr in 1995 to 45.0 fish/hr in 2005 but fluctuated at lower levels since 2005. The catch rate was 37.0 fish/hr in 2023. In 2023, the sampled fish ranged from 5.2 to 16.9 inches and averaged 9.7 inches. Largemouth Bass over 16 inches were not aged. Five year-classes were sampled from age 2 to age 8. The 2020 year-class dominated the sample (77%). Growth was similar to the statewide average.

Smallmouth Bass catches have followed a similar trend as Largemouth Bass. From 1995 to 2005, the Smallmouth Bass electrofishing catch increased from 17.3 fish/hr to 55.9 fish/hr, moderated in 2012 and 2017, and then peaked at 90.0 fish/hr in 2023. The 2023 catch exceeded the LMP goal of 30 fish/hr. The sampled fish ranged from 2.8 to 20.3 inches and averaged 12.2 inches. Smallmouth Bass over 16 inches were not aged. Of the smaller fish, seven year-classes from 1 to 7 years old were sampled. The population has experienced consistent and good recruitment in recent years. Growth was somewhat slow but not surprising for the population density and lake productivity. Smallmouth Bass fishing opportunities are better in Deer Lake than Largemouth Bass based on numbers and size.

Walleye catch rates have fluctuated considerably since the first survey in 1948. The lowest catch was 2.3 fish/net in 1975 while the highest was 13.3 fish/net in 1984. In 2023, the catch of 6.1 fish/net was near the average for the lake but fell short of the aggressive management goal. Walleye from 7.5 to 25.5 inches were sampled and averaged 17.6 inches. Twelve year-classes were identified by scale and otolith analysis. Age-2 through 4 fish represented 63% of the sample. Walleye averaged 16.9 inches after four years of growth. Growth was good compared to statewide averages. The Walleye population should continue to provide good angling opportunities over the next few years.

The Black Crappie population has always been low and will likely remain low due to the lack of suitable habitat. Black Crappie were only sampled by trap nets once from 1948 to 1990 and were first sampled by gill nets in the 2000 assessment. Black Crappie were not sampled in gill nets and only four were sampled in trap nets in 2023. The four sampled fish ranged from 10.9 to 12.6 inches. Anglers who find the crappies will likely experience good fishing for quality fish but they are encouraged not to overharvest this smaller population.

Bluegill were seldom sampled prior to the 1990 survey (0.2 to 2.7 fish/trap net). Bluegill catches have increased substantially in 1990 to 21.0/net. Bluegill catch rates have consistently been near or above 15.0 fish/trap net in the last six surveys. The catch of 22.9 fish/trap net in 2023 was the third highest ever recorded. The sampled fish ranged from 3.4 to 8.9 inches and averaged 6.2 inches. The size distribution will likely discourage most anglers from seeking Bluegill in Deer Lake.

Tullibee are difficult to sample with our standardized, summer survey methods because they often suspend over deep water. As a result, catch rates are generally low but can be highly variable. For example, the highest catch of 11.2 fish/gill net occurred in 1948 but none were sampled in the next survey (1975). Likewise, in 1980, 8.6 fish/net were sampled but in the next seven surveys, the highest catch was 1.0 fish/net. The oxygen/temperature profile in 2023 revealed that well-oxygenated, cool water was higher in the water column than normal for late July. As a result, the overlap of the favorable thermal habitat and standard net locations likely contributed to the highest catch (3.3/net) since 1980. The sampled fish ranged from 8.1 to 15.1 inches and averaged 11.5 inches. Tullibee are an important prey species for predators like Muskie, Northern Pike, and Walleye.

Lake Whitefish also pose a challenge to sample because of the deep, open water they inhabit during the summer. Consequently, limited information exists on the population in Deer Lake. Whitefish catches have always been very low prior to 2023. Similar to the Tullibee catches, it appears the thermal habitat conditions in the summer were favorable for sampling whitefish in 2023. A total of 17 whitefish were captured for a catch rate of 1.1/net. The sampled fish ranged from 13.6 to 27.2 inches and averaged 19.1 inches. Six year-classes ranging from age 3 to 22 were observed. Fish averaged 15.6 inches after four years of growth.

The Yellow Perch population has been relatively stable in Deer Lake. The 2023 catch of 10.5 fish/gill net was the lowest on record, yet not alarmingly low. The sampled fish ranged from 5.9 to 10.2 inches and averaged 7.6 inches. Perch are probably more important within the fish community as a prey source than as a species desired by anglers.

Other species observed during the survey included Bowfin, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

Anglers and boaters are reminded to help slow the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live/bait wells drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are also encouraged to power-wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

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