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Minnesota · Fishing
Deerfield Township sits in a quiet corner of Minnesota lake country, and its fishing comes down to three lakes worth knowing: Long Lake, Goose Lake, and Cranberry Lake. All three are lake fisheries, which means you're working from a boat, a canoe, or the bank depending on access and conditions.
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Deerfield Township sits in a quiet corner of Minnesota lake country, and its fishing comes down to three lakes worth knowing: Long Lake, Goose Lake, and Cranberry Lake. All three are lake fisheries, which means you're working from a boat, a canoe, or the bank depending on access and conditions. Minnesota lake fishing in this part of the state typically means pursuing walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish like bluegill and crappie, though the specific mix in each water body will vary. None of these lakes carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid, accessible Midwest lake fishing rather than a destination trophy scene. That said, smaller township lakes often get overlooked by traveling anglers, which can work in your favor on a weekday morning when pressure is low. If you're planning a trip, a current Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and it's worth pulling the DNR's current regulations for Waseca or the relevant county before you go, since slot limits and special rules can change season to season.
Minnesota township lakes like these typically hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish including bluegill and crappie. The exact population mix varies by lake, so check the Minnesota DNR's lake finder tool for each water body before your trip — it lists survey data and dominant species by lake.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across all three lakes. For walleye, jig-and-minnow rigs or slip bobbers with leeches are reliable Minnesota standards. If you're targeting pike or bass, swap to a medium-heavy rod with heavier line and use spinnerbaits or soft plastics along weed edges.
Stony Point
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Cross Lake Recreation Area
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Cross Lake Day Use
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Leech Lake - Federal Dam Access
~53 min drive
Easy
Leech Lake Rec Area
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Goose Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Gull Lake Recreation Area
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Long Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
South Pike Bay
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Cranberry Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Norway Beach Loop
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Chub Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on Minnesota lakes, especially for walleye and bass. Midday fishing in summer can slow down significantly as fish move deeper or into shade, so plan your time on the water accordingly.
Any angler 16 or older needs a valid Minnesota fishing license, available through the DNR website or at local bait shops. Check the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook for the specific rules covering these lakes — slot limits, size minimums, and possession limits can differ by species and water body.
Lake fishing is generally a good fit for beginners and families because you're not dealing with current, wading, or technical presentations. Panfish like bluegill are abundant in most Minnesota lakes and will bite on simple bobber-and-worm rigs, making them a reliable target if you're fishing with kids or newer anglers.
