Deer Lake
About Deer Lake
Deer Lake is a 447-acre lake near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Deer Lake
- 447 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Battle Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.1 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 447 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 306 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2023
- Most recent
- March 15, 2024
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
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
12 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Amor158 acres
0.9 miles away
East Lost Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake483 acres
1.2 miles away
Twin Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Amor369 acres
3.1 miles away
First Silver Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake529 acres
4.2 miles away
North Turtle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood1,773 acres
4.3 miles away
Anna Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood598 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. It covers 447 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers 447 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Sturgeon 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Deer Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Deer Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2023.
Does Deer Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Deer Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.