Deer Lake — Lake Info & Facts
Deer Lake is a pristine freshwater lake in Stevens County, Washington — roughly 35 miles north of Spokane and 5 miles from Loon Lake. It is known for deep, exceptionally clean water and a strong year-round and seasonal community.
- Size & depth: about 1,150 acres; maximum depth 75 feet; average depth 52 feet.
- Shoreline & elevation: 8.8 miles of shoreline; full-pool elevation 2,485.5 feet; seasonal depth variation about 2.5 feet.
- Water clarity & climate: visibility averages about 25 feet; the area averages roughly 50 inches of snowfall per year.
- Infrastructure: a sewer and water system encircles the lake — the result of decades of community effort.
- Property: approximately 450 waterfront lots; a mix of year-round and vacation homes; average resident age around 50.
- Access: the main road does not fully encircle the lake, but public access points exist on the southeast and west sides. One private resort is open to the public, along with various vacation rentals.
Fishing
Deer Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, crappie, catfish, perch, mackinaw, and sunfish. The kokanee (silver) population has declined since stocking was discontinued. DLPOA supports a volunteer fish-pen program that releases fresh stock each year.
On (and around) the water
Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, waterskiing, and swimming in the summer; hiking and wildlife viewing year-round, including the 750-acre wildlife refuge on N. Deer Lake Road. Watch for bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, deer, moose, black bears, bobcats, and cougars. The surrounding forests are rich with native pine, tamarack, and cedar.
Boater education
Washington requires a Boater Education Card for operators of motorized vessels over 15 horsepower who are 12 and older (born after January 1, 1955). Learn more at the Washington State Parks Boating Program.
Keep our water clean
Deer Lake water is some of the best in eastern Washington — help keep it that way. Maintain your septic system, keep fertilizer away from the shoreline, and Clean, Drain, and Dry every boat, trailer, and piece of equipment before launching to keep Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels out. See Milfoil & Lake Management.