Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a 2,126-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 137 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 25.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 2,126 acres, up to 137 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- 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 14.8 feet — very clear
- 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
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,126 acres
- Max depth
- 137 ft
- Shoreline
- 25.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 556 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 25
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- April 10, 2017
- Latest
- May 11, 2008
- Most recent
- May 3, 2019
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
Compare Turtle Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Turtle Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Turtle Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Turtle Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Turtle Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Grass Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell120 acres
0.9 miles away
Maple Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell255 acres
1.5 miles away
Johnson Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell304 acres
2.6 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell260 acres
2.7 miles away
Little Turtle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon492 acres
2.7 miles away
Bello Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell527 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 2,126 acres and reaches 137 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 2,126 acres with about 25.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 137 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 Tullibee (Cisco) 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 US Forest Service. 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 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Turtle Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 10, 2017 and the latest is May 11, 2008.
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.