DNR surveys and numerous angler reports indicate the lake's smallmouths have substantially increased in numbers. Last year, nighttime electrofishing by the Grand Rapids DNR captured 56 smallmouths per hour, while just a decade earlier, the number was only 17 fish per hour. The size of the fish is also commendable, with a good percentage over 15 inches. Other anglers and myself have noticed this increase in smallies. Fifteen years ago, a dozen bronzebacks a day wasn't bad on Deer Lake, but recently, savvy smallmouthers often release two to three times that many every day.

Largemouths will likely be included in your daily catch, since that species is also becoming widespread in Deer Lake, though most are under 14 inches. Rock bass are extremely numerous in this lake, too, and while "rockies" are unappreciated by most Minnesotans, I enjoy catching good-sized ones because of their ferocious strikes.

Most of Deer's bottom is sand or small rock. Naturally, the rocky substrates hold the most smallies, but some nice fish also relate to deeper weeds. Deer has many homes on it, and midday can see plenty of human activity. This, combined with high water clarity, means midday fishing is best in water 10 to 20 feet deep. But in the morning and evenings, shallow-water action can be great. Two productive rocky areas are along the east shore and around the islands scattered across the lake.

For more information on area lakes and facilities, contact the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce at www.grandmn.com or 1-800-472-6366. The DNR Grand Rapids office can be called at (218) 327-4430.

DEVIL TRACK LAKE
Those who appreciate the rugged beauty of northeast Minnesota and fishing new smallmouth water should really appreciate Devil Track Lake.

Devil Track is a 1,800-acre Cook County lake just north of Grand Marais where smallies have only been reported for 20 years. Perhaps coming in from a connecting stream or from private stocking, smallmouths have really found Devil Track to their liking. DNR surveys turn up plenty of bronzebacks, including many in the good-sized 12- to 16-inch range.

Devil Track has numerous cabins and a resort, plus a public landing, hence plenty of anglers. And while walleyes may still be the favorite fish here, smallmouths are now a close second. An increasing number of Devil Track anglers focus on smallies because of their superior fight and willingness to strike all summer long. Much of Devil Track's shorelines hold bronzebacks, and the south and east sides of the lake also have several islands and numerous rock humps that are excellent.