Deer Lake (Polk County)
Deer Lake is a 786-acre, moderately clear Polk County lake near Balsam Lake and Centuria with a maximum depth of 46 feet and mean depth near 26 feet. WDNR lists musky, panfish and largemouth bass as common, with northern pike and walleye present.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Muskellunge
Listed as common by WDNR
Largemouth Bass
Listed as common by WDNR
Bluegill
Panfish listed as common
Crappie
Panfish listed as common
Northern Pike
Listed as present by WDNR
Walleye
Listed as present by WDNR
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Deer Lake public boat landingPublicWDNR and Lake-Link list 1 public landingDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the WDNR lake page for all landingsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye 20-24 in may not be kept; only 1 over 24 in; May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 | 15 in | 3 / day |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass 14-18 in may not be kept; only 1 over 18 in; May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 5 / day |
| Northern Pike May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 5 / day |
| Muskellunge May 2 - Dec 31, 2026; open water only | 40 in | 1 / day |
| Panfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 25 / day |
| Catfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Wisconsin DNR ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Deer Lake SportsNearbySt. Croix Falls, WI(715) 483-3313Directions ↗
- St Croix OutdoorsNearbySt. Croix Falls, WI(715) 483-9515Directions ↗
- BobberStop Tackle ShopNearby510 State Road 35, Centuria, WI 54824(715) 640-2248Directions ↗
Local tips
- Sand and gravel bottom with muck bays: fish weed edges for bass and panfish
- Zebra mussels are present: clean, drain and dry your boat
- Check WDNR regulations before keeping fish; a 2025 spring shocking survey is on WDNR's site
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.