Deep Lake in Stearns County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Deep Lake lies in Stearns County, in Minnesota. It sits at 1,099 feet above sea level. At about 47 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Around 1.8 miles of margin, front to back. Supplies mean a trip to Richmond, 4 miles off. It is 70 miles to Minneapolis, the nearest city. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Deep Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Stearns County records list largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, walleye and black crappie among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Deep Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 10°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. It holds true on Deep Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Ganzer Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Where Deep Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.