Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake near 47.6129, -95.6691 is a lake in Polk County, Minnesota. Turtle Lake covers about 525 acres, reaches a recorded 13 feet and holds about 3,911 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Turtle Lake Affect Fishing

Turtle Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Turtle Lake

Fish reported from Turtle Lake include black bullhead, bluegill, brown bullhead, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch.

Yellow Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Turtle Lake, fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Turtle Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Turtle Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Bullheads

For bottom fishing at Turtle Lake, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.

How the Seasons Change Turtle Lake

Spring at Turtle Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Turtle Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Turtle Lake

On a first trip to Turtle Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Turtle Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Turtle Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Turtle Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 525-acre Turtle Lake?

At Turtle Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 13-foot deep end of Turtle Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Turtle Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 3,911 acre-foot storage figure mean at Turtle Lake?

At Turtle Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.