Turtle River
About Turtle River
Turtle River is a 1,740-acre river lake near Turtle River in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 17.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle River
- 1,740 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Turtle River
- 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 9.2 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and 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
- 1,740 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 17.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 669 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)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- 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 22
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 31, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 3, 2024
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 River
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River412 acres
1.9 miles away
Meadow Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River106 acres
2.7 miles away
Gull Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Tenstrike138 acres
3.7 miles away
Big Bass Lake (East Basin)
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)337 acres
4.4 miles away
Beltrami Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji726 acres
4.7 miles away
Little Bass Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)363 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle River?
Turtle River is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. It covers 1,740 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle River?
Turtle River covers 1,740 acres with about 17.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle River?
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 River?
Yes. Turtle River has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Turtle River?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Turtle River stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Turtle River; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Turtle River?
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 River?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Turtle River have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Turtle River as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.