Deer

Beltrami County, Minnesota — DOW #04023000

176 Surveys

Special Regulations for Deer

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Catch-and-release only.
All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Daily limit five.

297.79

Acres

42 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Deer. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	11.1	—	—	15
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	3.5	—	—	14
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	1.3	—	—	4
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.55 lb	3
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	6.3	—	—	19
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.21 lb	3
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	28.7	—	—	27
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	2.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.48 lb	13
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.78 lb	5
2021-07-12	Special electrofishing	31.3	—	2.02 lb	54
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.88 lb	6
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	2.02 lb	1
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.70 lb	1
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.15 lb	2
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.05 lb	14
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.14 lb	11

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	3.7	—	—	5
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	2.0	—	—	8
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	0.7	—	0.28 lb	4
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	5.5 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.15 lb	44
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	1.7	—	0.07 lb	10
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	5.3	—	—	5
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	2.8 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.19 lb	25
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	29.2	—	0.19 lb	146
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	15.0 (above normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.10 lb	90
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	4.5	—	0.29 lb	27
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	2.9 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.12 lb	23
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	6.0	—	0.06 lb	30
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	4.2 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.20 lb	25
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	8.2	—	0.11 lb	49
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	6.2 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.13 lb	56

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	48.7	—	—	66
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	5.8	—	—	23
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	1.3	—	—	4
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.38 lb	1
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	28.9 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.30 lb	231
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	5.3	—	0.07 lb	32
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	39.3	—	—	37
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	39.8 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.17 lb	358
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	2.3	—	—	7
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	14.4	—	0.20 lb	72
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	30.3 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.18 lb	182
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	9.5	—	0.19 lb	57
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	16.6 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.11 lb	133
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	5.2	—	0.05 lb	26
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	24.8 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.20 lb	149
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	6.2	—	0.06 lb	37
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	19.8 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.10 lb	178

PGS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	24.3	—	97
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	1

BST

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	1
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	1
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	1.1	—	1

CNM

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	56.1	—	76
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	44.6	—	42

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	3.7	—	—	5
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	2.8	—	—	11
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	66.0	—	—	198
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.12 lb	12
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	55.3 (above normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.12 lb	332
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	0.7	—	—	2
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.10 lb	27
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	4.3	—	—	4
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.05 lb	1
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.17 lb	3
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	28.0 (normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.12 lb	140
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.09 lb	5
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	3.3 (below normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.09 lb	20
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.15 lb	2
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	9.0 (normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.10 lb	45
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	2.9 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.08 lb	26
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	6.7 (normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.08 lb	40

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	12.6	—	17
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	5.3	—	16
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	1
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	3.2	—	3

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	1
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	1

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	14.3	—	57
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	1.3	—	4
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	6.6	—	9
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	6.4	—	6
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	2.0	—	6

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	1
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	3.7	—	5
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	7.4	—	7

BKF

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	50-ft beach seine	3.7	—	11
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	11.1	—	15
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	22.0	—	88

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	—	1
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.3 – 9.8	0.93 lb	3
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.73 lb	8
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	4.0 (normal)	1.3 – 9.8	0.77 lb	32

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	—	1
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	1.0	—	—	4
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.47 lb	18
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	1.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.29 lb	15
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	—	1
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	2.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.32 lb	16
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	1.1	—	—	1
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.35 lb	12
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	8.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.19 lb	40
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	5.5 (above normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.15 lb	33
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.42 lb	2
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.26 lb	4
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.21 lb	15
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.51 lb	9
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.28 lb	11
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.24 lb	13

BCS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-06-28	15-ft beach seine	3.8	—	15
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	2.1	—	2

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.1	0.63 lb	2
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.1	1.60 lb	1
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	1.08 lb	6
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.69 lb	3
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.1	1.70 lb	1
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.1	0.72 lb	2
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.15 lb	1

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	3.5 – 10.5	2.85 lb	28
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	2.66 lb	6
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	8.2 (normal)	3.5 – 10.5	3.00 lb	49
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	3.23 lb	8
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	3.4 (below normal)	3.5 – 10.5	4.74 lb	17
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	3.00 lb	1
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	6.8 (normal)	3.5 – 10.5	3.17 lb	41
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	1.65 lb	5
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	3.5 – 10.5	3.45 lb	4
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	1.80 lb	1
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	9.0 (normal)	3.5 – 10.5	2.51 lb	54
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	1.0	—	2.06 lb	9

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.31 lb	5
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	4.1	—	0.31 lb	33
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	2.8	—	0.36 lb	25
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	1.5	—	0.51 lb	9
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.48 lb	3
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.60 lb	3

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	6.5 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	1.50 lb	39
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.7	4.22 lb	2
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	1.3 – 5.0	1.98 lb	10
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	6.4 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	1.39 lb	32
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.00 lb	1
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	2.7 (normal)	1.3 – 5.0	1.07 lb	16
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.29 lb	2
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	4.0 (normal)	1.3 – 5.0	0.86 lb	20
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	2.10 lb	4
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.3 – 5.0	2.20 lb	9
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.9 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	2.18 lb	8

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	7.5 (above normal)	0.5 – 4.8	1.05 lb	45
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	8.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 4.8	0.58 lb	50
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.5 – 4.8	1.56 lb	9
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	3.8 (normal)	0.5 – 4.8	0.53 lb	19
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	2.3 (normal)	0.5 – 4.8	0.73 lb	14

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard gill nets	2.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.35 lb	16
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.46 lb	7
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.67 lb	3
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.80 lb	3
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	1.81 lb	9
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.56 lb	9
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.4	3.47 lb	2

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	4.10 lb	2
2011-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	3.95 lb	2
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	—	1
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	—	1

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1997-07-14	Standard trap nets	5.4 (above normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.15 lb	43
2011-06-20	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.73 lb	1
1991-06-06	Standard gill nets	4.4 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.50 lb	22
1991-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.10 lb	3
2021-07-12	Standard gill nets	6.2 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.35 lb	37
2021-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.31 lb	4
1986-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.70 lb	1
1986-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.80 lb	1
2001-07-23	Standard gill nets	10.5 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.20 lb	63
2001-07-23	Standard trap nets	2.7 (normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.29 lb	24

Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	43.6	—	41
2011-06-20	50-ft beach seine	6.0	—	18

DAR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-06-20	Backpack electrofishing	1.1	—	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

A&H Shrinkwrapping Services

Bemidji, MN

(218) 358-0454

★ 5

Bemidji Marine

Bemidji, MN

(888) 759-8875

★ 4.5

Biddy's landing

Ponemah, MN

★ 5

Diamond Point Park

Bemidji, MN

(218) 333-1859

★ 4.6

Dick's Boat & RV Storage

Bemidji, MN

(218) 751-4827

★ 3

Grace Lake Boat Access

Bemidji, MN

★ 4.4

Resorts & Lodges Near Deer

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Deer.

Pimushe Resort

Fishing Resort Bemidji

(218) 586-2094

Red Lake Cabin LLC

Fishing Resort Kelliher

(320) 424-2329

The Dahlin Lodge - Upper Red Lake Cabin Rental

Fishing Resort Kelliher

(218) 604-0840

Cedar Rapids Lodge

Fishing Resort Tenstrike

(218) 243-2487

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Deer. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Bowfin (Dogfish)Brown Bullhead Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Deer

Bemidji Area Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(763) 670-6033

Chad's Guide Services

Fishing Guide

(218) 556-0823

First City Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 689-5550

Kevin Cochran’s Musky Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(507) 456-9023

Northcountry Guide Service & Promotions

Fishing Guide

(218) 766-1814

Northern Walleye Adventures

Fishing Guide

(218) 209-8824

View all 8 guides →

Other Lakes in Beltrami County

Plan Your Trip to Deer

Weather forecast for Deer — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 47.6578°N, 95.0231°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Deer

Special Regulations for Deer

DNR Fish Surveys

Largemouth Bass

Pumpkinseed

Bluegill

PGS

BST

CNM

Yellow Perch

Johnny Darter

Tadpole Madtom

Iowa Darter

Bluntnose Minnow

BKF

Yellow Bullhead

Rock Bass

BCS

Brown Bullhead

Northern Pike

Hybrid Sunfish

Walleye

Tullibee (Cisco)

White Sucker

Bowfin

Black Crappie

Sunfish

DAR

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Dunham's Sports

Hillman's Store & Bait Station

J B Lures

L&M Fleet Supply

Northland Fishing Tackle

Northwoods Bait & Tackle

Trappers Bait Shop

Up North Sports

Nearby Marinas

A&H Shrinkwrapping Services

Bemidji Marine

Biddy's landing

Diamond Point Park

Dick's Boat & RV Storage

Grace Lake Boat Access

Resorts & Lodges Near Deer

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Deer

Other Lakes in Beltrami County

Andrusia

Balm

Bass

Beltrami

Bemidji (main lake)

Benjamin

Plan Your Trip to Deer