Deer Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. DNR lake ID 31071900.
Deer Lake is a 4,094-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. Its deepest point reaches 121 ft, and about 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31071900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Deer River |
| Surface area | 4,094 acres |
| Maximum depth | 121 ft |
| Mean depth | 42.1 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 22% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.6 ft, phosphorus 10.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Deer Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Deer Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 10.33 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.2 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.6 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.07 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.6 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.33 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.2 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 15.07 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.73 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 3.87 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Muskellunge | gill | 0.27 | 0.1 to 0.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.0 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 0.2 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.13 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.87 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 23.27 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.4 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 30.0 in (2017), Muskellunge 43.0 in (2017), Smallmouth bass 20.0 in (2017), Walleye 24.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Bowfin, White sucker.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Deer Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 12 trailer spaces. 8 mi N of Grand Rapids on Mn Hwy 38, then 7 mi W on Cnty Rds 177 and 256. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Moose Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Moose Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Clarke Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Loon Lake 2.3 mi, Itasca County
- Otter Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- McAvity Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Little Deer Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Fawn Lake 2.8 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Deer Lake
How deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake reaches a maximum depth of 121 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers about 4,094 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Deer Lake?
Summer water clarity on Deer Lake averages 15.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Deer Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Deer Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Deer Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Deer Lake?
Deer Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Deer Lake.
How is the walleye population on Deer Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2017, walleye numbers on Deer Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Deer Lake?
Homes on Deer Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Deer Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Deer Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 22% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Deer Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Deer Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Deer Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.