Turtle Lake

How big is Turtle Lake?

How deep is Turtle Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Turtle Lake?

Are there boat launches on Turtle Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Turtle Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Turtle Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Turtle Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Turtle Lake?

Turtle Lake is a small (187 acres), deep (73 feet), heavily-developed lake located on the boundary between Becker County and Clay County. The lake has been primarily regarded as a bass and panfish lake, although Northern Pike and Walleyes are also present. Along with fluctuating water levels, the fish community in this groundwater influenced lake has been impacted by fishing pressure, fish stocking, water chemistry, and fish habitat changes.

Northern Pike were stocked often in the 1960's and 1970's. None have been stocked here since 1989. The population sustains itself through natural reproduction in the spawning area just north of the lake. Pike over 30.0 inches long were not found in 2014 and the average length of sampled Northern Pike was just under 19.0 inches.

Walleye spawning habitat is lacking in Turtle Lake but fingerling stocking has helped to sustain a fishable population. Only Walleyes have been stocked during the past two decades. The lake was identified 15 years ago as one that might benefit from increased stocking. The Walleye stocking rate was doubled to two pounds of fingerlings per littoral acre, biennially, in 1999. Increased Walleye stocking has not resulted in increased catch rates. In fact, the 2014 Walleye catch rate was the second lowest in history. The potential cause is predation due to the dramatic increase in pike numbers. Pike catches increased to a historic high in 2014 and Yellow Perch and Walleye populations have been detrimentally impacted. In 2014, sampled Walleyes averaged a relatively large 19.3 inches in length and 2.7 pounds in weight.

Abundant, slow-growing Bluegills have been reported as part of Turtle Lake's fish community since the initial fisheries survey in 1947. In 2014, the average length of Bluegills sampled in trap nets was 6.9 inches. Several fish over eight inches were found and growth rates were only slightly slower than normal compared to statewide age and growth indices.

Despite permitted, private stocking of 3,000 Black Crappie yearlings in 2013, no crappies were caught in test nets. However, several were caught while electrofishing in May, 2014. They averaged 9.3 inches in length and none were younger than age four. Previously, crappies were found in large numbers in Turtle Lake during only two surveys-the 1975 and the 1982. Crappies are known to benefit from more turbid water conditions than most other gamefish and panfish species. Interestingly, water clarities were significantly lower in Turtle Lake during the 1970's and early 1980's than in more recent years. Algal blooms were reportedly more common then as well.

Fish populations in any lake are reflections of their habitat and watershed. Turtle Lake's diverse fish community continues to reflect relatively good water quality. There are very few Black Bullheads, a species that is favored by turbid water. Turtle Lake and its surrounding watershed are heavily developed and the lake is vulnerable to cultural eutrophication (aging). Unchecked development of this watershed could tip the balance toward smelly algal blooms and a fish community dominated by bullheads. Lakeshore owners have not only battled against high water levels, but also for good water quality. Landowners are encouraged to apply "best management practices" in order to maintain property values, water quality, and fish populations.

What is the average air temp for Turtle Lake?

Are there any state parks near Turtle Lake?