Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a 218-acre lake near Forada in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 218 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Forada
- 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
- Average water clarity around 8.8 feet
- 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
- 218 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 192 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
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
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Nearby Lakes
Maple Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada831 acres
1.5 miles away
Lake Reno
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2.3 miles away
Lake Andrew
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Union Lake
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4.1 miles away
Lake Ann
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5.4 miles away
Lake Mary
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City2,450 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Forada. It covers 218 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 218 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch 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.
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.