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Frequently Asked Questions About Turtle Lake, MN
- How big is Turtle Lake?
- How deep is Turtle Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Turtle Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Turtle Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Turtle Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available 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?
- What is the average air temp for Turtle Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Turtle Lake?
How big is Turtle Lake?
How deep is Turtle Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Turtle Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Mimic Shiner, Mottled Sculpin, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Turtle Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Turtle Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available 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?
Explore the Turtle Lake area in a RV
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Bemidji, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Turtle Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Big Turtle Lake (D.O.W. # 04-0159-00) is a 1,606-acre lake located approximately 10 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Big Turtle is one of 11 connected lakes known as the Turtle River chain. A DNR public water access is located on the west shore of the lake off of County Road 15. This access also serves the connected waters of Little Turtle Lake (upstream) and Lake Movil (downstream), which are connected by navigable channels from Big Turtle Lake. Big Turtle Lake is managed for Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. A special regulation for Northern Pike consisting of a protected slot limit from 24 to 36 inches in length, with only one pike greater than 36 inches in length allowed in the daily possession limit of three fish is in effect. Statewide fishing regulations apply to all other species.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has classified Minnesota lakes based on similarities in lake basin (depth, size) water chemistry (alkalinity, water clarity) and the type of fish community present in the lake. Big Turtle Lake is in lake class 27. The following discussion makes comparisons between Big Turtle Lake and other class 27 lakes in the state. Other Bemidji area lakes in this class include Lake Andrusia, Big Lake and Blackduck Lake.
The 2016 Walleye catch rate of 9.08/gill net was above the normal range found in similar lakes (3.25/gill net - 8.81/gill net). Walleye captured had an average size of 15.23 inches in length and 1.33 lbs/fish. Big Turtle Lake has provided consistent Walleye fishing in recent years.
The Northern Pike catch was 9.67/gill net. The average size of pike sampled was 22.66 inches in length and 2.54 lbs. The largest Northern Pike captured in the 2016 assessment measured 34.57 inches.
Bluegill were abundant in the 2016 assessment, with a catch rate of 23.73/trap net. Bluegill have shown an increasing trend in abundance over the assessment history, from barely present in the 1970's to providing an excellent fishery today.
The Largemouth Bass population was assessed using night electrofishing in mid-June. A total of 44 Largemouth Bass were captured in just under two hours. Lengths ranged from 6.3 to 18.2 inches and averaged 12.5 inches. Smallmouth Bass were also captured for the first time during this assessment with lengths over 16 inches. The smallmouth population is expected to expand in upcoming years and provide an exciting new fishing opportunity on Big Turtle Lake.
Other species of fish captured in the 2016 assessment were Black Crappie, Pumpinkseed, Rock Bass, Tullibee (cisco), Yellow Perch, White Sucker, and bullhead species.
What is the average air temp for Turtle Lake?
Are there any state parks near Turtle Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Turtle Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Fox Lake | 1.3 mi | 165 | 19 ft |
| Little Turtle Lake | 1.7 mi | 469 | 25 ft |
| Movil Lake | 2.0 mi | 853 | 50 ft |
| Black Lake | 2.5 mi | 271 | 42 ft |
| Larson Lake | 2.7 mi | 203 | 49 ft |
| Beltrami Lake | 2.9 mi | 726 | 50 ft |
| Three Island Lake | 2.9 mi | 729 | 25 ft |
| Lake Campbell | 3.5 mi | 463 | 25 ft |
| Lake Julia | 3.7 mi | 511 | 43 ft |
| Little Gnat Lake | 4.0 mi | 34 | 30 ft |
