Fishing at Dean, Minnesota
176-acre lake · Wright County · 3 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Dean is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Wright County. At 176 acres, it offers small lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Dean:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 141 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 34 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 5,200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 100,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,425 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 198 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 5,226 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 20 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,714 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 125 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Bluegill Sunfish in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Dean, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Dean
For bluegill sunfish, the best fishing on Dean is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Dean:
- Dean Lake — 0.0 mi (175 ac)
- Green Mountain Lake — 3.9 mi (156 ac)
- Buffalo — 4.1 mi (1,552 ac)
- Deer — 4.1 mi (171 ac)
- Buffalo Lake — 4.1 mi (1,493 ac)
- Charlotte — 4.7 mi (253 ac)
- Lake Charlotte — 4.7 mi (233 ac)
- Washington Lake — 5.3 mi (129 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Dean. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Dean?
Dean has been stocked with Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye.
When was Dean last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2022, when 141 bluegill sunfish were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Dean?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.