Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a 108-acre lake near Nichols in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 108 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Nichols
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 108 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 78 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Turtle Lake
Compare Turtle Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Partridge Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nichols188 acres
0.6 miles away
Round Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Garrison737 acres
1.5 miles away
Kenney Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison109 acres
2.1 miles away
Big Pine Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Cutler638 acres
2.5 miles away
Scott Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison157 acres
2.6 miles away
Bay
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)2,330 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nichols. It covers 108 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 108 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Turtle Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Turtle Lake.
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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Turtle Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.