Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for South Turtle Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on South Turtle Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About South Turtle Lake, MN
- How big is South Turtle Lake?
- How deep is South Turtle Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in South Turtle Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for South Turtle Lake?
- What are the closest cities to South Turtle Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the South Turtle Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on South Turtle Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near South Turtle Lake?
- What is the average air temp for South Turtle Lake?
- Are there any state parks near South Turtle Lake?
How big is South Turtle Lake?
How deep is South Turtle Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in South Turtle Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Emerald Shiner, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Shorthead Redhorse, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for South Turtle Lake?
What are the closest cities to South Turtle Lake?
Are there places to stay in the South Turtle Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on South Turtle Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near South Turtle Lake?
Explore the South Turtle Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
South Turtle Lake is a 630-acre moderately fertile lake located in central Otter Tail County, approximately four miles east of Underwood, MN. South Turtle Lake is located within the Pomme De Terre River Watershed. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 35 feet; however, 63% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2011 survey was 11.7 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.5 to 15.8 feet.
The north and west shorelines have been extensively developed. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the majority of the development. The 1996 lake resurvey referenced 112 homes/cabins and two resorts/campgrounds. A state owned concrete public access is located 0.5 miles south of County Road 122 along the north shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand, gravel, and rubble. South Turtle Lake is composed of two distinct basins. The west basin is deeper and more developed. A large stand of hardstem bulrush is located along the southeast shoreline of this basin. The east basin is shallower (less than 15 feet) and less developed. Hardstem bulrush and cattails are prevalent along the shoreline of this basin. Emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They provide critical spawning and nursery habitat for fish species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and sunfish. They protect shorelines from erosion and can actually absorb and break down pollutants. Because of their ecological importance, bulrush and cattails may not be removed without a DNR permit.
South Turtle Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. The dominant gamefish species are northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
A moderate-density northern pike population exists. Northern pike ranged in length from 13.6 to 31.1 inches with an average length and weight of 18.9 inches and 1.5 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 19.1 inches at four years of age.
Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicated that a balanced largemouth bass population exists. Age data indicate that bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 7.0 to 17.6 inches with an average length of 11.9 inches. Bass attain an average length of 12.0 inches at four years of age.
Black crappies have remained consistently abundant over the recent series of surveys. Black crappies ranged in length from 4.4 to 11.3 inches. Thirteen percent were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Age data indicates that reproduction has been consistently good in recent years. Black crappies attain an average length of 8.2 inches at five years of age.
Bluegills have also remained consistently abundant. Twenty-two percent of the bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.7 inches at six years of age.
Walleyes ranged in length from 12.6 to 25.6 inches with an average length and weight of 19.3 inches and 2.5 pounds.
Anglers can help maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of the 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.
What is the average air temp for South Turtle Lake?
Are there any state parks near South 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 South Turtle Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Fiske Lake | 1.5 mi | 254 | 26 ft |
North Turtle Lake | 2.2 mi | 1,773 | 19 ft |
Elbow Lake | 2.3 mi | 188 | 46 ft |
German Lake | 2.8 mi | 77 | 46 ft |
Tamarack Lake | 3.1 mi | 392 | 11 ft |
First Silver Lake | 3.6 mi | 528 | 43 ft |
Long Lake | 3.6 mi | 204 | 24 ft |
Bass Lake | 4.6 mi | 292 | 36 ft |
Bass Lake | 4.8 mi | 292 | 36 ft |
Bass Lake | 4.8 mi | 308 | 36 ft |