Deer Lake
About Deer Lake
Deer Lake is a 171-acre lake near Buffalo in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 27 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Deer Lake
- 171 acres, up to 27 feet deep, near Buffalo
- 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
- Average water clarity around 4 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 171 acres
- Max depth
- 27 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 126 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
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Deer Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Buffalo Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo1,552 acres
1.6 miles away
Crawford Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Montrose110 acres
3.8 miles away
Dean Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo176 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Pulaski
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo813 acres
4.9 miles away
Rock Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Maple Lake183 acres
5.2 miles away
Waverly Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Waverly494 acres
5.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Buffalo. It covers 171 acres and reaches 27 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers 171 acres with about 2.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 27 feet and its average depth is about 9 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 Channel Catfish 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Deer Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Deer Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Deer Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.