Deer Yard Lake
About Deer Yard Lake
Deer Yard Lake is a 343-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 2 fish species here, including walleye. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Deer Yard Lake
- 343 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Lutsen
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye
- Average water clarity around 9.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 343 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 198 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
- 2 carry-in accesses
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 2
- Game fish
- 1
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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 Yard Lake
Compare Deer Yard Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Pike Lake
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2.4 miles away
Caribou Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen721 acres
3 miles away
Mark Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais126 acres
3.8 miles away
Mistletoe Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen145 acres
5.2 miles away
Holly Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen76 acres
5.4 miles away
Christine Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen184 acres
5.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Yard Lake?
Deer Yard Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 343 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Deer Yard Lake?
Deer Yard Lake covers 343 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Deer Yard Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Deer Yard Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Deer Yard Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Deer Yard 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 Yard Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Deer Yard Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.