Deer Lake - Whidbey Island, Washington

Located on Whidbey Island, Deer Lake offers a scenic and accessible fishery that appeals to trout and bass anglers alike. Spanning 81 acres, this peaceful lake is open year-round and provides consistent action for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and sunfish.

In spring, WDFW stocks the lake with rainbow trout, which are easily caught on PowerBait, worms, or trolling setups like wedding rings and spoons. Bass fishing heats up in summer, with largemouth bass favoring weed beds and docks. Soft plastics and topwater lures produce solid action throughout the warm months.

For families, the abundant panfish population—especially yellow perch and pumpkinseeds—offers a fun and easy option using small jigs or bait under a bobber. The lake has a public boat launch on the east side, and while electric motors are recommended, small gas engines are permitted.

Deer Lake’s calm waters and mixed-species fishing make it one of Whidbey’s most enjoyable freshwater spots. Though it doesn’t yield giant fish, it offers steady bites, beautiful surroundings, and shared recreational use. Whether fishing from a small boat or the bank, this lake provides a satisfying experience for beginners, locals, and visiting anglers alike. Review regulations and respect private shoreline areas during your visit.