Deer Point Lake Fishing
Bay County, FWC Northwest region, 5,000 acres.
- 7ramps
- 8TrophyCatch bass
- 5,000acres
Photo, nearby stand in for Deer Point Lake: Mike Tilley, CC BY 3.0
An angler's guide to Deer Point Lake
Deer Point Lake lies in Bay County and is managed from the FWC Northwest regional office. Its FWC acreage is 5,000. The closest town is Lynn Haven, about 6 miles from the middle of the lake.
TrophyCatch lists 8 Florida bass over 8 pounds from Deer Point Lake. Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie are the fish FWC lists at Deer Point Lake. FWC records 7 public ramps for Deer Point Lake, with 6 free to use. FWC put 61,200 fish into Deer Point Lake in recent fiscal years.
From the FWC page for Deer Point Lake
FWC tips for Deer Point Lake
“A fishing pier is located near the boat ramp on the west side of the dam.”
“Bream (Bluegill) fishing is also good in the spring using crickets and earthworms.”
“Largemouth Bass fishing is best in the spring to early summer and again in the fall using plastic worms and crankbaits.”
“Broken-back minnow lures are also effective for bass when fished near the shoreline.”
“There are also boat ramps located on C2321on either side of the dam.”
“A 5,000-acre impoundment located 7 miles north of Panama City off US 231 and SR 77 at Southport.”
“Deer Point Lake is fed by natural freshwater streams and supplies more than 760 million gallons of fresh water daily to Panama City and the surrounding areas.”
Quoted from the FWC site page: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
This season on Deer Point Lake
“Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) can be found along the weed lines of the old river channels and near structures.”
“Targeting this species near the Hwy 2301 bridge in Bear Creek with 1/16 oz to 1/8 oz feather, curly-tailed jig, or live minnow offers a good opportunity for Crappie anglers.”
“8.28-pound largemouth bass tagged and released into Deer Point Lake November 2018.”
“Black Crappie fishing picks up this time of year as well.”
Quoted from the FWC fishing forecast: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Public access to Deer Point Lake
- Bayhead North Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 4 trailer spaces
- Bayhead South Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 4 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- David W. Hutchinson Park Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, fee, 12 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Duppie Lane Canoe Accesspaddle launch, free
- Highpoint Park Public Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 5 trailer spaces, portable toilet, temporarily closed
- Ira Hutchinson Park and Public Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 20 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- McCall-Everitt Park – Deer Point Lake Draw Down Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 5 trailer spaces
Source: FWC Boat Ramp Inventory, October 2026.
Catch list for Deer Point Lake
TrophyCatch bass from Deer Point Lake
TrophyCatch counts as shown on the FWC page (Deer Point Lake). Only bass 8 pounds and up, released alive, are counted.
Fishing rules for Deer Point Lake
Statewide freshwater limits cover Deer Point Lake; FWC lists nothing extra.
| Species | Statewide daily bag | Length rule |
|---|---|---|
| Florida bass | 5 | only one 16 in or longer |
| Black crappie | 25 | none statewide |
| Bluegill and other panfish | 50 combined | none statewide |
FWC freshwater regulations, 2026-27 season, checked October 2026. All Florida limits and license prices.
What FWC put in Deer Point Lake
| Site | Fiscal year | Species | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Point Lake | 2022-23, 2023-24 | 39,420 Bluegill Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches); 21,780 Bluegill Fingerlings | 61,200 |
FWC Completed Stockings reports, fiscal years 2021-22 to 2023-24. Florida stocking by county.
Deer Point Lake next to its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres (FWC) | Public ramps | TrophyCatch bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Point Lake | 5,000 | 7 | 8 | |
| Dead Lake | 25 miles east | 6,700 | 0 | |
| Merritt's Mill Pond | 40 miles northeast | 202 | 3 | |
| Ocheesee Pond | 44 miles northeast | 2,225 | 1 | 4 |
| Juniper Lake | 46 miles northwest | 665 | 2 | |
| Lake Victor | 48 miles northwest | 130 | 1 | 6 |
Near Deer Point Lake
More fresh water near Deer Point Lake
- Dead Lake25 miles east
- Merritt's Mill Pond40 miles northeast
- Ocheesee Pond44 miles northeast
- Juniper Lake46 miles northwest
- Lake Victor48 miles northwest
Closest bait to Deer Point Lake
- North Bay Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Panama City, 3 miles
- West Marine Panama Citysporting goods store, Panama City, 9 miles
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Panama Citysporting goods store, Panama City, 10 miles
- Brooks Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Panama City, 10 miles
- Fishin' Shackbait and tackle, Panama City, 10 miles
- Anglers Tacklebait and tackle, Panama City, 11 miles
Hire a guide near Deer Point Lake
- Freshwater Guide Servicefreshwater guide, Youngstown, (850) 387-6555
Towns around Deer Point Lake
- Panama City11 miles
- Panama City Beach18 miles
- Mexico Beach27 miles
Where Deer Point Lake sits by county
- Bay Countyseat: Panama City
Quick answers for Deer Point Lake
Where exactly is Deer Point Lake?
In Bay County, about 6 miles from Lynn Haven.
How large is Deer Point Lake?
The FWC figure is 5,000 acres.
Is there a boat ramp at Deer Point Lake?
There are 7 ramps on record.
What can I catch in Deer Point Lake?
Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie, according to FWC.
Is Deer Point Lake good for big bass?
Anglers have logged 8 bass at Deer Point Lake through TrophyCatch.
Is Deer Point Lake a Fish Management Area?
No; statewide freshwater limits apply on Deer Point Lake.
Which license do I need for Deer Point Lake?
A Florida freshwater license, for anglers 16 and older unless exempt; resident annual is $17.
Has Deer Point Lake been stocked?
61,200 fish went in during the years on file.
What is the water level on Deer Point Lake?
No public gauge reports for Deer Point Lake.
Head to Deer Point Lake
Limits and license prices are one click away.