Turtle River Lake

From the Minnesota DNR:

Turtle River Lake is in fisheries lake class 25. Other nearby lakes in this class include Big Moose, Gilstad, Pimushe, Beltrami, Movil, Big Buzzle and Balm Lakes. Theses lakes tend to be deep with hard, clear water and an irregular shoreline usually with numerous arms or bays. The Minnesota DNR administered public access is one-half mile east of the village of Turtle River. It has a concrete log ramp and accommodates approximately 8 vehicles with trailers. The latest lake management plan was written in 1995 and lists walleye as the primary management species and northern pike as secondary.

Due to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat, both in-lake and upstream, the walleye population is capable of sustaining itself through natural reproduction. The latest assessments in 1998 and 1993 show an abundance of walleye considerably higher than other similar lakes and higher than all previous assessments in this lake. In addition to high numbers, the lake also provides quality-sized walleye. Over 60% of the walleye sampled were between 13" and 18" long and weighed approximately 1 to 2 pounds. The Turtle River between Three Island Lake dam and Turtle River Lake is closed for fishing when necessary during late spring spawning runs to protect spawning walleye.

Turtle River Lake is known as a good northern pike fishery with a reputation for producing large fish. The population number has remained fairly stable throughout the years and is comparable to other similar lakes. While some larger pike over 10 pounds are caught by anglers every year, 75% of the pike captured during the last assessment were under 21" in length (approximately 2.5 pounds). This assessment was the first to record an average weight of less than 2 pounds. Voluntary release of larger northern pike could be very important in maintaining the quality of this fishery for years to come.

Minnesota Fishing

Minnesota Fishing

Minnesota Fishing Reports

Minnesota Fishing Resorts