Turtle River

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in three of the deepest basins on Turtle River Lake on August 10, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profiles, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 19.7 feet, which was within the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 19.8°C (67.6°F). TDO3 values near 21.5°C indicate that oxythermal conditions are marginal for Cisco. Data collected in 1993-2016 further indicate marginal oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2016. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore experience higher levels of stress.

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in three of the deepest basins on Turtle River Lake on August 10, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profiles, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 19.7 feet, which was within the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 19.8°C (67.6°F). TDO3 values near 21.5°C indicate that oxythermal conditions are marginal for Cisco. Data collected in 1993-2016 further indicate marginal oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2016. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore experience higher levels of stress.

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in three of the deepest basins on Turtle River Lake on August 10, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profiles, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 19.7 feet, which was within the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 19.8°C (67.6°F). TDO3 values near 21.5°C indicate that oxythermal conditions are marginal for Cisco. Data collected in 1993-2016 further indicate marginal oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2016. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore experience higher levels of stress.

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

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

Turtle River has a maximum depth of 63 feet and a mean depth of 20 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 2 special rules for Turtle River, covering northern pike and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.