Deer Springs Lake

Historically, this lake was managed as a mixed-species water containing both warmwater species as well as stocked rainbow and brown trout. Although the lake still contains decent numbers of largemouth bass and panfish which extends the fishing opportunity throughout most of the season, trout stocking has been intermittent due to changing water conditions. Water levels allowed trout stocking to resume in 2017 and 2018.

If you're looking for a destination off the beaten path to wet a line, consider checking this lake out. Rough campsites are available on the north end. The access area is privately owned but open to the public through a verbal agreement with the landowner. Please respect the landowners rights and leave this area cleaner than when you arrived. In recent years, water levels have dropped significantly which can make launching boats on trailers impossible. Although current water levels allow launching, surface water runoff eroded the launch area making the launch dangerous and unusable. Boaters may still be able to launch small craft by hand, but WDFW urges boaters to use extreme caution when launching.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Limited shoreline access is available on the north end and near the access area. Access area is privately owned; please respect the area and leave it clean.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Lincoln
Acreage: 61.60 ac.
Elevation: 1742 ft.
Center: 47.473034, -118.617065
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Fishing resources

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.

Photos

Photo by WDFW