Upper Dean Lake
About Upper Dean Lake
Upper Dean Lake is a 259-acre lake near Emily in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Dean Lake
- 259 acres, up to 24 feet deep, near Emily
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 259 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 214 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 (concrete)
Best For
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Upper Dean Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rogers Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily240 acres
1.8 miles away
Ross Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Little Pine492 acres
2.7 miles away
Nelson Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine Knoll319 acres
2.8 miles away
Twin Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Little Pine79 acres
3 miles away
Stark Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine Knoll217 acres
3.3 miles away
Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily240 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Dean Lake?
Upper Dean Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Emily. It covers 259 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Dean Lake?
Upper Dean Lake covers 259 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Dean Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Upper Dean Lake?
Yes. Upper Dean Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Upper Dean Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Dean 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 Upper Dean Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Upper Dean Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.