Turtle Lake
About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is an 112-acre lake near Staples in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Turtle Lake
- 112 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Staples
- 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 12.5 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
- 112 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 34 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Turtle Lake
Compare Turtle Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Fawn Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Lincoln125 acres
2 miles away
Rice Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Lincoln562 acres
3.8 miles away
Thunder Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Browerville214 acres
5.2 miles away
Big Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Cushing297 acres
5.4 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Browerville121 acres
5.9 miles away
Pine Island Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Cushing238 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples. It covers 112 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers 112 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass 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 Minnesota DNR. 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.