Little Turtle Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Puposky. DNR lake ID 04015500.
Little Turtle Lake is a 468.5-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Puposky. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04015500 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Puposky |
| Surface area | 468.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 64% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 30.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 13.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 7.5 ft, phosphorus 30.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 13.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Turtle Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Little Turtle Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 5.22 | 1.2 to 5.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.22 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Northern pike | trap | 2.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.56 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 7.44 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.25 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.11 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 8.75 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.33 | 0.9 to 4.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.12 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.44 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.12 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2021), Walleye 22.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Larson Lake 1.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Turtle Lake 1.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Julia Lake 2.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Campbell Lake 2.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Fox Lake 3.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Black Lake 3.3 mi, Beltrami County
- Movil Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Puposky Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Little Turtle Lake
How deep is Little Turtle Lake?
Little Turtle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Turtle Lake?
Little Turtle Lake covers about 468.5 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Turtle Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Turtle Lake averages 7.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Little Turtle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little Turtle Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Little Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Little Turtle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
How is the walleye population on Little Turtle Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1998 to 2021, walleye numbers on Little Turtle Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Turtle Lake?
Homes on Little Turtle Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Little Turtle Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Turtle Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 64% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Turtle Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Little Turtle Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.