Deer Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. DNR lake ID 56029800.
Deer Lake is a 447.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. Its deepest point reaches 26 ft, and about 68% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56029800 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Battle Lake |
| Surface area | 447.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 26 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 68% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.6 ft, phosphorus 20.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Deer Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Deer Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 3.56 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.22 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.67 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.44 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 5.89 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 33.56 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.56 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 6.33 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.0 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 24.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2019), Northern pike 33.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake sturgeon, Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 10. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2017).
Public boat access
- Deer Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces. 7 mi NW of the city of Battle Lake on Cnty Rd 83, to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Brown Lake 0.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 0.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Lost Lake 1.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Leon Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Mud Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Twin Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Silver Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Deer Lake
How deep is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake reaches a maximum depth of 26 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 68% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Deer Lake?
Deer Lake covers about 447.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Deer Lake?
Summer water clarity on Deer Lake averages 12.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Deer Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Deer Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Deer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Deer Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
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 1999 to 2019, 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?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 68% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.6 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?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Deer Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), 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.