Lake Bemidji vs Turtle River
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Beltrami County, Minnesota, side by side.
Lake Bemidji is the larger of the two at 6,596 acres against 1,740 for Turtle River. On our rankings, Turtle River comes out ahead for swimming, Lake Bemidji comes out ahead for boating, Lake Bemidji comes out ahead for camping, Lake Bemidji comes out ahead for paddling, and Lake Bemidji comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Lake Bemidji | Turtle River |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 82 / 100 | 72 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Lavinia (Beltrami) | Turtle River |
| Surface area | 6,596 acres | 1,740 acres |
| Max depth | 76 ft | 63 ft |
| Shoreline | 14.7 mi | 17.3 mi |
| Water clarity | 7.2 ft | 9.2 ft |
| Public access | 6 public boat launches (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 14 | 20 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | Yes |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | Yes | No |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort, zebra mussel | starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
Which lake is better for…
- SwimmingTurtle River
- BoatingLake Bemidji
- CampingLake Bemidji
- PaddlingLake Bemidji
- Ice FishingLake Bemidji
The lakes
More comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Lake Bemidji or Turtle River?
Lake Bemidji is bigger at 6,596 acres; Turtle River covers 1,740 acres.
Which is deeper, Lake Bemidji or Turtle River?
Lake Bemidji is deeper, with a maximum depth of 76 feet against 63 feet.