Turtle Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31072500.
Turtle Lake is a 2,126-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 137 ft, and about 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31072500 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 2,126 acres |
| Maximum depth | 137 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 26% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 9.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.5 ft, phosphorus 9.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Turtle Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Turtle Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 4.85 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.27 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.69 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.07 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.15 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.4 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.38 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.4 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.08 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 10.07 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.08 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.87 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 3.85 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 5.77 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 0.31 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.15 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.27 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 4.23 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.47 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 29.0 in (2017), Northern pike 37.0 in (2017), Smallmouth bass 20.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Smallmouth bass 14 to 20 in must be released (one over 20 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2023).
Public boat access
- Turtle Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 3 trailer spaces. 4.5 mi N of Marcell on Mn Hwy 38, then 3 mi W on Cnty Rd 43, then 1 mi S on State Forest Rd to NE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Grass Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Maple Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Mike Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Little Ranier Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Rice Lake 2.3 mi, Itasca County
- Johnson Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Turtle Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Turtle Lake
How deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 137 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers about 2,126 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Turtle Lake?
Summer water clarity on Turtle Lake averages 16.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Turtle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Turtle Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Turtle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Turtle Lake.
How is the walleye population on Turtle Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1995 to 2017, walleye numbers on 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 Turtle Lake?
Homes on 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 Turtle Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Turtle Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 26% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Turtle Lake?
Yes. Smallmouth bass 14 to 20 in must be released (one over 20 allowed).
Ask us about Turtle Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.