Turtle

Turtle Lake is a shallow, productive basin located in southern Douglas County. Consisting of two large bays, average depth is only 7.0 feet and aquatic vegetation is common. Water clarity was approximately 13.0 feet at the time of the July survey. A concrete boat launch is located in the southwest corner of Turtle Lake just off Douglas County Road 88 SW. Turtle Lake supports an abundant Walleye population (10.7/gill net). Average size was 14.8 inches and 1.3 pounds. Despite a moderate average size, approximately 25% of the population currently exceeds 18.0 inches. Rapid growth rates allow smaller individuals to reach desirable lengths quickly. Two- and five-year-olds were the most common. Alternate year fingerling and yearling stocking efforts appear to be creating a productive fishery. Northern Pike catch rates (2.3/gill net) were slightly below the statewide average of similar lakes (4.7/gill net). Approximately 50% of Northern Pike were between 14.0 and 21.0 inches. The largest individual was 28.6 inches. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the liberalized pike harvest regulation (anglers are able to keep up to 10 pike with no more than two fish longer than 26 inches; all fish from 22-26 inches must be released). Largemouth Bass are common (69.3 bass/hour of electrofishing). Average length was 7.8 inches, but large bass are present. Maximum length was 19.8 inches. On average, it took 5.3 years for bass to reach 12.0 inches. Bluegill abundance was high (48.1/trap net). Over 65% of individuals were between 6.0 and 8.0 inches. The largest individual was 8.3 inches. High densities appear to be limiting growth and total length. Anglers are encouraged to harvest the abundant, moderately-sized Bluegill (6.0-8.0 inches). Reduced densities would allow some individuals to grow larger. Black Crappie were abundant, but most were not large enough to contribute to the fishery (average length was 7.1 inches). Low average size is related to the strong one- and two-year-old year classes. A remnant of the strong 2014 year class will provide the opportunity for some larger crappies. Maximum size of crappie in 2021 was 11.4 inches. Yellow Perch were common (9.3/gill net), but average size was modest. Over 95% of all perch were between 5.0 and 8.0 inches. Other species recorded in the 2021 lake survey included Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Yellow bullhead. The next lake survey is scheduled for 2027. Turtle Lake is designated as infested with zebra mussels. Anglers are reminded to drain boats and equipment prior to moving between bodies of water to minimize the risk of transferring aquatic invasive species to other lakes.

This nearshore survey was conducted during summer 2016 to assess populations of non-game species and small game fish using backpack electrofishing and seining. Backpack electrofishing and/or seining were conducted at 10 stations, representing a variety of habitat types, along the shoreline of Turtle Lake. The survey was conducted during the five-year sampling window for intensive monitoring efforts within the Chippewa River watershed, and will be contributing to a watershed assessment process in coordination with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Twelve species were collected during this survey, indicating a relatively simple nearshore fish community. Only one species (Iowa Darter) was considered "intolerant" based on current tolerance classifications for Minnesota lakes. Nearshore catch data will be used along with gill and trap net catch data to develop an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score, which is indicative of the health of Turtle Lake.

A survey of nearshore fish species was conducted on August 4, 2016 by IBI Program Staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sampling stations, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 4 stations, a 15-foot seine was used at 4 stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at 2 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 11 species of fish including 1 species that is intolerant of disturbance (Iowa Darter) and 1 that is tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). The nearshore fish data was combined with gill net and trap net data from a July 2015 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based Index of Biological Integrity (FIBI) score based on expectations for similar lakes. The FIBI score for Turtle Lake is above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes and is indicative of a healthy fish community. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to a watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. Turtle Lake is located in the Chippewa River Watershed.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill in Turtle. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Turtle. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Turtle has a maximum depth of 21 feet and a mean depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Turtle is from 2021.

Yes — Turtle has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.