Deer Lake
About Deer Lake
Deer Lake is a 45-acre lake near Oshawa (Cass) in Cass County, Minnesota. It has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Deer Lake
- 45 acres, near Oshawa (Cass)
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 10.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 45 acres
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.5 ft
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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Deer Lake
Compare Deer Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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4.7 miles away
Pine Mountain Lake
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8 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus142 acres
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Bowen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus182 acres
8.9 miles away
Tripp Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Nevis156 acres
9.7 miles away
Lind Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus440 acres
9.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Oshawa (Cass). It covers 45 acres.
How big and how deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers 45 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. The DNR has no depth on record.
What fish can you catch at Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Deer Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Deer Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.