Dean Lake
About Dean Lake
Dean Lake is a 176-acre lake near Buffalo in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2019.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Dean Lake
- 176 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Buffalo
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 2.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 176 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 125 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 (asphalt)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- 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 Dean Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Crawford Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Montrose110 acres
1.8 miles away
Buffalo Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo1,552 acres
4.1 miles away
Deer Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo171 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Charlotte
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Hanover253 acres
4.7 miles away
Martha Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Hanover102 acres
4.9 miles away
Lake Washington
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo155 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dean Lake?
Dean Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Buffalo. It covers 176 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dean Lake?
Dean Lake covers 176 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dean 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 Dean Lake?
Yes. Dean Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dean Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Dean Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dean Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.