Deer Lake
About Deer Lake
Deer Lake is a 4,093-acre lake near Deer River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 121 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 42 feet, and has roughly 26.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 35 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Deer Lake
- 4,093 acres, up to 121 feet deep, near Deer River
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass
- Average water clarity around 13.3 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,093 acres
- Max depth
- 121 ft
- Average depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 26.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 920 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
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 35
- Earliest
- April 8, 2017
- Latest
- May 18, 2013
- Most recent
- May 9, 2023
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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See how Deer Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Moose Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River1,273 acres
1.7 miles away
Little Moose Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids289 acres
1.7 miles away
McAvity Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset147 acres
2.6 miles away
Little Deer Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River67 acres
2.6 miles away
Fawn Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi190 acres
2.8 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi46 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. It covers 4,093 acres and reaches 121 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers 4,093 acres with about 26.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 121 feet and its average depth is about 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed 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 (concrete), 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.
When does the ice go out on Deer Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 35 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 8, 2017 and the latest is May 18, 2013.