Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a 450-acre lake near Shoreview in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 feet.
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 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 county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 29, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 450 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Shoreview
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- 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 8.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 450 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 245 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 29
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 4, 2024
- Latest
- April 21, 2014
- Most recent
- March 29, 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 Turtle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Snail Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview158 acres
1.9 miles away
Pleasant Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · North Oaks607 acres
1.9 miles away
Golden Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Circle Pines58 acres
2.9 miles away
Island Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview59 acres
3 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · New Brighton173 acres
3.5 miles away
West Vadnais Lake
19 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Cardigan Junction212 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, near Shoreview. It covers 450 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 450 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Turtle Lake?
Yes. Turtle Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Turtle Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
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 March 29, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 4, 2024 and the latest is April 21, 2014.
Does Turtle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Turtle Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.