Turtle
A 525-acre lake near Fosston in Polk County — best known for walleye and pike. Last surveyed 1991.
Fish Species (8)
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1981
Last surveyed 1981 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 28.0 per gill net · typical 1.5–5.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 31, 1981 | 28.00 | - | 1.03 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 4.62 | - | 0.96 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 11.3 per gill net · typical 4.6–11.6 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1991 | 11.25 | - | 1.71 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1991 | 1.43 | - | 1.37 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 4.50 | - | 1.33 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.25 per gill net · typical 8–40.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1991 | 0.25 | - | 0.80 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 3.50 | - | 0.44 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1981
Last surveyed 1981 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.88 per trap net · typical 2.5–25 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 31, 1981 | 0.88 | - | 0.45 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 2.50 | - | 0.03 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.14 per trap net · typical 1.4–8.6 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1991 | 0.14 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Other species in this lake (3)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 135.0 per trap net · typical 1.1–17.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1991 | 211.75 | - | 0.18 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1991 | 135.00 | - | 0.12 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 1.00 | - | 0.49 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 8.1 per trap net · typical 1.5–9.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1991 | 2.50 | - | 0.85 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1991 | 8.14 | - | 0.23 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 2.12 | - | 1.49 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.5 per gill net · typical 1–5.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1991 | 4.50 | - | 0.77 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1991 | 0.14 | - | 4.50 lbs |
| Jul 31, 1981 | 2.00 | - | 1.80 lbs |
Biologist Notes
June 17, 1991FOLLOWING SEVERAL YEARS OF MODERATE WINTER-KILL, TURTLE LAKE'S FISH POPULATION STATUS HAS REVERTED TO ITS ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION-BLH. NOP AND WTS N…
FOLLOWING SEVERAL YEARS OF MODERATE WINTER-KILL, TURTLE LAKE'S FISH POPULATION STATUS HAS REVERTED TO ITS ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION-BLH. NOP AND WTS NUMBERS REMAIN STRONG AS WELL. NOP EXHIBIT AN ABOVE AVERAGE GROWTH RATE. CEN AND PERCID SPECIES HAVE BEEN NEARLY ELIMINATED BY LOW DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS DURING WINTER.
July 31, 1981High population of Walleye, N Pike and Bluegill populations are slightly above average.
High population of Walleye, N Pike and Bluegill populations are slightly above average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Turtle?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed in Turtle. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Turtle?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Turtle. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Turtle?
Turtle has a maximum depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Turtle last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Turtle is from 1991. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Turtle have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Turtle in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 525.13 acres
- Max Depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.65 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed
Location
47.6137°N, 95.6703°W
Depth contours: Minnesota DNR, digitized from lake surveys of varying vintage. Water levels change — verify on the water.
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