Deer Lake

How big is Deer Lake?

How deep is Deer Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Deer Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Deer Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Deer Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Deer Lake (Central)

Deer Lake (East)

Deer Lake (West)

Are there boat launches on Deer Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Deer Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Deer Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Deer Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Deer Lake was conducted on July 18-21, 2022, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 18 sampling stations, but four stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 10 stations, a 15-foot seine was used to sample one station, and site conditions prevented the use of a seine at seven stations. Nearshore sampling captured 22 species of fish including five species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Black Bullhead and Fathead Minnow).

A concurrent summer trap net survey was conducted by IBI Program Staff. Fifteen trap nets were set along the shoreline and in shallow offshore locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed comprised a majority of the trap net catch by number and Bluegill, Walleye, and Northern Pike comprised a majority of the catch by biomass. The number of Bluegill sampled per net was above the 25% quartile for similar Lake Class 27 lakes and the average length was 6.4 inches, with 13% over 7 inches.

The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a July 2018 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

Data from this survey indicates Deer Lake is in good health as indicated by an FIBI score above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Big Fork River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

What is the average air temp for Deer Lake?

Are there any state parks near Deer Lake?