Little Turtle Lake
About Little Turtle Lake
Little Turtle Lake is a 492-acre lake near Talmoon in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.5 feet.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Little Turtle Lake
- 492 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Talmoon
- 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 6.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 492 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 226 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Turtle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Turtle Lake
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Big Too Much Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon292 acres
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Jessie Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon1,740 acres
3 miles away
Maple Lake
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Grass Lake
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Hatch Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Turtle Lake?
Little Turtle Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Talmoon. It covers 492 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Turtle Lake?
Little Turtle Lake covers 492 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Turtle Lake?
Yes. Little 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 Little Turtle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Turtle Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Turtle Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Turtle Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.