North Turtle Lake

How big is North Turtle Lake?

How deep is North Turtle Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in North Turtle Lake?

What are the closest cities to North Turtle Lake?

Are there boat launches on North Turtle Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near North Turtle Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for North Turtle Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations North 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?

North Turtle Lake is a 1,484-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County immediately northeast of Underwood, MN. North Turtle Lake is part of the Otter Tail River Watershed. There are no navigable inlets or outlets. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 19 feet; however, 98% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading was 5.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 6.3 to 12.1 feet. The water clarity of North Turtle Lake sometimes diminishes during the summer months due to plankton/algae blooms.
The majority of the shoreline of North Turtle Lake remains undeveloped. A state owned public water access was developed along the north shoreline in 2011. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and muck. Large stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are prevalent along the majority of the shoreline. Emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
North Turtle Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 15.9 to 30.4 inches with an average length and weight of 23.4 inches and 3.0 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 24.0 inches at four years of age.
Seven percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.4 inches at five years of age.
Data from a recent spring electrofishing assessment indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists. Bass reproduction is also consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 4.8 to 19.5 inches with an average length and weight of 15.6 inches and 2.2 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 14.3 inches at five years of age.
A spring trapnetting assessment was conducted to analyze the Black Crappie population. A high-density Black Crappie population is present. Age data indicate that reproduction is consistently good. Thirty-five percent of the crappies were 10.0 incher or greater in length. The 2013 year class is strong and should provide good crappie angling in the future. Black Crappies attain an average length of 11.2 inches at five years of age.
Special harvest regulations for Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie were implemented in 2006 and modified in 2016 after public comment. All bass 14.0 inches and larger must be immediately released with the exception of one over 20.0 inches allowed in possession. The Black Crappie regulation is a 10.0-inch minimum length limit. These regulations were implemented in an attempt to maintain or improve the size structures of these species.
Anglers can also maintain the quality of fishing in North Turtle Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

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