Deer Lake

A quiet Deer Lake amongst the tall cedars and pine trees.

D. Newman

Quick Facts

Location:

44.73160N, 86.06300W

Deer Lake is a very small spring fed lake and is the upper lake in the Otter Creek watershed.  The average depth is 12 feet and maximum depth is 22 feet, which is deep for its size compared to other lakes in the park. White cedar  Wildlife thrives in and around this lake. You might spot ducks gliding across the water, with their ducklings trailing closely behind. You might also hear the calls of songbirds perched in the surrounding trees. In the quieter moments, the occasional splash of a fish breaks the surface which adds to the peaceful ambiance. Swamp borders it to the north and south, and upland hardwoods are found along both western and eastern shorelines  The access to Deer Lake is from Trails End Road. Follow a two track to the left that is rutted and narrow until you reach an area where you can walk a short distance to the lake.   Deer Lake is closed to power-driven vessels from April 1 through October 31 and is limited to two-horse-power motors the rest of the year. Eleven fish species have been collected from Deer Lake, including northern pike, largemouth bass, Iowa darter, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and yellow perch. The majority of the fish species in the lake are bluegill.

Paddle safe

Before going out for a paddle, check the weather. Have a boating plan and make sure others know it. Buddy up, don't go out alone. Check your boat and make sure it is safe for conditions. And always keep the shoreline in sight.

Wear It! 

The State of Michigan requires all vessels have a life jacket or personal flotation device for every person on board or being towed.

Clean Your Boats

Please clean, drain, and dry your boat after you leave any body of water, especially Lake Michigan, to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This is especially important for our inland lakes.For more information on aquatic invasive species and their impacts to lakes, streams, and how we recreate please visit the following websites:
www.protectyourwaters.net
www.nps.gov/slbe/naturescience/nonnativespecies.htm