Little Turtle Lake

How big is Little Turtle Lake?

How deep is Little Turtle Lake?

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

Are there boat launches on Little Turtle Lake?

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

What are the fishing regulations for Little Turtle Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Little 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?

The 2015 lake management plan (LMP) indicated Bluegill and Walleye were primary management species while Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike were secondary. The LMP goal was to maintain a Walleye gill-net catch rate at 5.0/net. Only gill nets were used in the 2020 survey. Information from the 2020 spring electrofishing survey for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass are presented in another report.

Northern Pike gill-net catches have ranged from 6.8 fish/net in 2020 to 13.3 fish/net in 1982. The catch in 2020 was the lowest on record but similar to lakes with similar habitat. The sampled fish ranged from 15.1 to 31.9 inches and averaged 21.8 inches. Seven age-classes were estimated with fish from age 1 to 7 represented. Pike averaged 21.7 inches by age 4; which was similar to the statewide average of 20.5 inches. Voluntary release of larger pike is encouraged so those genetics can be passed on to future generations.

Walleye have been actively managed for many years. The most recent strategy has been to stock 2 lbs of fall fingerlings/littoral acre (452 lbs) every other year. Gill-net catch rates have ranged from 2.1/net in 1988 to 10.3/net in 1982. The 2020 catch of 6.8 was above average for the lake (5.2/net). The sampled fish ranged from 9.2 to 23.4 inches and averaged 15.1 inches. The five year-classes sampled included fish from 2 to 8 years old. Roughly 90% of the fish were age 2 or 4, both stocked years. Based on the lake habitat only limited natural reproduction is anticipated. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 14.7 inches at age 4. The Walleye population likely provides some good angling.

Yellow Perch gill-net catch rates have varied from 24.6 fish/net in 2020 to 112.2 fish/net in 2006. The 2020 catch was the lowest on record yet above average for similar lakes. Perch catches have generally been high with poor size distributions. The sampled fish ranged from 4.1 to 8.5 inches and averaged 6.0 inches. Perch are likely more important as prey for predators like bass, pike and Walleye than they are of interest to anglers.

Tullibee can be difficult to sample because they frequently live suspended over deep water, an area the survey nets were not designed to sample. However, they are important to fish communities as a prey source for large predators. Tullibee gill-net catch rates have ranged from 0.6 fish/net in 2020 to 25.5 fish/net in 1974. The 2020 catch was the lowest on record. The five sampled fish ranged from 13.9 to 14.8 inches and averaged 14.2 inches. It appears only one year-class was sampled based on the length distribution.

Other species sampled included Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Little Turtle Lake?

Are there any state parks near Little Turtle Lake?