South Turtle Lake
About South Turtle Lake
South Turtle Lake is an 837-acre lake near Underwood in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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 2018.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to South Turtle Lake
- 837 acres, up to 35 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
- Average water clarity around 14.6 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 837 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 11 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 398 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- March 5, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 15, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South Turtle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Fiske Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake254 acres
1.5 miles away
North Turtle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood1,773 acres
2.2 miles away
Elbow Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake188 acres
2.3 miles away
German Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood77 acres
2.8 miles away
First Silver Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake529 acres
3.6 miles away
Long Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood204 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Turtle Lake?
South Turtle Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. It covers 837 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Turtle Lake?
South Turtle Lake covers 837 acres with about 11 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at South 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 South Turtle Lake?
Yes. South 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 South Turtle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South 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 South Turtle Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Turtle Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on South Turtle Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 5, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.