North Turtle Lake
About North Turtle Lake
North Turtle Lake is a 1,773-acre lake near Underwood in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 22.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.8 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. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and largemouth and smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to North Turtle Lake
- 1,773 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Underwood
- 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 4.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,773 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 22.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,454 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
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Minimum size limit 10".
- Largemouth and 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to North Turtle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
South Turtle Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood837 acres
2.2 miles away
German Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood77 acres
3.1 miles away
Elbow Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake188 acres
3.4 miles away
Anna Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood598 acres
3.4 miles away
Fiske Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake254 acres
3.6 miles away
East Lost Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake483 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Turtle Lake?
North Turtle Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. It covers 1,773 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Turtle Lake?
North Turtle Lake covers 1,773 acres with about 22.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at North 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 North Turtle Lake?
Yes. North 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 North Turtle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North 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 North Turtle Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for North Turtle Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Turtle Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 10". All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.