Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a 196-acre lake near Lake Park in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 32 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 196 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Lake Park
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 14.8 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 196 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 70 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 32
- Earliest
- April 9, 1987
- Latest
- May 6, 1979
- Most recent
- April 12, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Turtle Lake
Compare Turtle Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Turtle Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Turtle Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Upper Cormorant Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park974 acres
2 miles away
Fifteen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreClay · Hawley154 acres
2.7 miles away
Rossman Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park273 acres
2.8 miles away
Bijou Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park225 acres
3 miles away
Middle Cormorant Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park373 acres
3.6 miles away
Stakke Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park497 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Lake Park. It covers 196 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 196 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Turtle Lake?
Yes. Turtle Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Turtle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Turtle Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Turtle Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Turtle Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Turtle Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Turtle Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 32 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 9, 1987 and the latest is May 6, 1979.
Does Turtle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Turtle Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.