Little Deer Lake
About Little Deer Lake
Little Deer Lake is a 67-acre lake near Deer River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.5 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 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Little Deer Lake
- 67 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Deer River
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 67 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 39 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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 Little Deer Lake
Compare Little Deer Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Chase Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River211 acres
1.1 miles away
Moose Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River1,273 acres
2.2 miles away
Deer Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River4,093 acres
2.6 miles away
Fawn Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi190 acres
3.5 miles away
Little Moose Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids289 acres
3.6 miles away
Cottonwood Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi133 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Deer Lake?
Little Deer Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. It covers 67 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Deer Lake?
Little Deer Lake covers 67 acres with about 1.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Little Deer Lake?
Yes. Little Deer Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Deer Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Deer Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Little Deer Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.