North Turtle Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

56037900

County

Otter Tail

Surface area

1,773 acres

Maximum depth

19 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

1,454 acres, 82% of the lake

Shoreline

22.9 miles

Average water clarity

4.8 feet (Secchi disk, 5 readings)

Latest DNR fish survey

April 2025, targeted survey

Surveys on record

9, since 1989

Game fish caught in the 2025 survey

black crappie 54

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, yellow perch, and 5 other species

Stocked in 2024

walleye fry (50,000)

Stocked in 2022

walleye fry (1,454,000)

Stocked in 2021

walleye fry (1,454,000)

Stocking years on record

5 of the last 10 (2016 to 2024)

North Turtle Lake Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete plank ramp, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces, toilet, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Special regulation

Black and White Crappie: Minimum size limit 10".

Special regulation

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have been tested

Size

500 to 1,999 acres

Deepest point

15 to 29 feet

Public access

Yes

Stocked in the last 3 years

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026
• Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites
  Checked September 24, 2026

Survey catches show what DNR nets and electrofishing found on the survey date, not how the fishing is today. Check the current regulations and the Department of Health advice before you keep fish, and confirm access conditions before you tow a boat.