Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a 1,607-acre lake near Bemidji in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 northern pike and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 61 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 1,607 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Bemidji
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.9 feet
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort — 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
- 1,607 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 718 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
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 22-30" must be immediately released. Possession limit 10, only one over 30".
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 61
- Earliest
- March 25, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- May 4, 2023
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
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Nearby Lakes
Fox Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Werner165 acres
1.3 miles away
Little Turtle Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky469 acres
1.7 miles away
Movil Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji855 acres
2 miles away
Black Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River271 acres
2.4 miles away
Larson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky203 acres
2.7 miles away
Three Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River729 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. It covers 1,607 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 1,607 acres with about 11.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot 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. All from 22-30" must be immediately released. Possession limit 10, only one over 30". Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Turtle Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 61 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 25, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Turtle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Turtle Lake as infested with starry stonewort. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.