Deer Lake
About Deer Lake
Deer Lake is a 298-acre lake near Bemidji in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Deer Lake
- 298 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Bemidji
- 1 public boat launch — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 298 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 118 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
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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Catch-and-release only.
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 23, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Deer Lake
Compare Deer Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Werner664 acres
2.2 miles away
Campbell Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky463 acres
4.5 miles away
Sandy Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Debs103 acres
4.6 miles away
Little Buzzle Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pinewood78 acres
4.8 miles away
Puposky Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky2,177 acres
4.9 miles away
Whitefish Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pinewood128 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. It covers 298 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers 298 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Deer Lake?
Yes. Deer Lake has 1 public boat launch, managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Deer Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Deer 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 Deer Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Deer Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Deer Lake?
Yes. Catch-and-release only. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Deer Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.