---
type: lake
name: "North Turtle Lake"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Underwood"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1773
max_depth_ft: 19
latitude: 46.30724
longitude: -95.81579
lake_score: 56
dnr_lake_id: "56037900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/north-turtle-lake
---

# North Turtle Lake

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood

- **Surface Area**: 1,773 acres
- **Max Depth**: 19 ft
- **Shoreline**: 22.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 4.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 56/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 12
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **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.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [South Turtle Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/south-turtle-lake) - 2.2 miles, 837 acres
- [German Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/german-lake) - 3.1 miles, 77 acres
- [Elbow Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/elbow-lake) - 3.4 miles, 188 acres
- [Anna Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/anna-lake) - 3.4 miles, 598 acres
- [Fiske Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/fiske-lake) - 3.6 miles, 254 acres
- [East Lost Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/east-lost-lake) - 3.7 miles, 483 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.30724,-95.81579)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56037900)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/north-turtle-lake)*