Often called the "Lake of the Changing Colors", Deer Lake's crystal-clear water displays a wide range of magnificent colors on sunny days - divulging the locations of its perilous rocky bars to unfamiliar boaters.

In 1998, the DNR and Deer Lake Association jointly acquired Bear Island to preserve its undeveloped charm.

The lake's healthy fish population includes several species of muskie, northern pike, walleye, perch, bluegills, sunfish, rock bass, crappie, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.

On its surface swim several happy loon families, a variety of ducks, and the Canada goose.

This is ranked as one of the clearest lakes located in Minnesota with a water clarity level of 16 feet (5 m).