Turtle River
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. DNR lake ID 04011100.
Turtle River is a 1,740-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. Its deepest point reaches 63 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for starry stonewort, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04011100 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Turtle River |
| Surface area | 1,740 acres |
| Maximum depth | 63 ft |
| Mean depth | 20.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 9.0 ft, phosphorus 20.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Turtle River rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Turtle River
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 | 4.27 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.73 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.8 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 4.27 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.27 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.33 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.27 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 4.33 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.6 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.0 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 0.07 | 0.1 to 0.7 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.53 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.87 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 5.27 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.93 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.13 | n/a |
| Burbot | trap | 0.07 | 0.1 to 0.3 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Northern pike 35.0 in (2021), Walleye 26.0 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), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: starry stonewort (listed 2022), zebra mussel (listed 2024).
Public boat access
- Turtle River Lake (W): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. From Turtle River, south .2 mile on Cty Rd 405, E .3 mile on Main Ave E, N .1 mile. Directions
- Turtle River Lake (N): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 15 trailer spaces. .5 mile SE of the town of Turtle River on Farley Drive NE, on the north shore of lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Long Lake 1.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Meadow Lake 2.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Gull Lake 3.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Little Gnat Lake 3.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Bass Lake 4.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Beltrami Lake 4.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Little Bass Lake 5.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Three Island Lake 5.2 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Turtle River
How deep is Turtle River?
Turtle River reaches a maximum depth of 63 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Turtle River?
Turtle River covers about 1,740 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Turtle River?
Summer water clarity on Turtle River averages 9.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Turtle River have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Turtle River for starry stonewort, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Turtle River?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Turtle River. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Turtle River?
Turtle River has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Turtle River Lake (W); Turtle River Lake (N).
How is the walleye population on Turtle River?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Turtle River 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 Turtle River?
Homes on Turtle River 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 Turtle River and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Turtle River?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Turtle River?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Turtle River
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.