North Turtle Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. DNR lake ID 56037900.
North Turtle Lake is a 1,773-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. Its deepest point reaches 19 ft, and about 82% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.6 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.
Buying or selling on North Turtle Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56037900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Underwood |
| Surface area | 1,773 acres |
| Maximum depth | 19 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 82% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 65.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 41.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 5.6 ft, phosphorus 65.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 41.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, North Turtle Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on North Turtle Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 1.0 | 2.3 to 17.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.5 | 1.5 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 55.33 | 2.5 to 25.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 34.67 | 2.0 to 19.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 1.0 to 3.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2020), Walleye 27.0 in (2020), Northern pike 30.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
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
- North Turtle Lake: 1 concrete plank launch ramp, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces. From Underwood take Co Rd 35 north for .5 miles to 310th Ave. Go east, then north on 310th. Road curves again to east and becomes 240th St. Go 1.5 miles east to site. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Crooked Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- South Turtle Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- German Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Anna Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fiske Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Norway Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about North Turtle Lake
How deep is North Turtle Lake?
North Turtle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 19 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 82% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is North Turtle Lake?
North Turtle Lake covers about 1,773 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is North Turtle Lake?
Summer water clarity on North Turtle Lake averages 5.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does North Turtle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
North 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 North Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, white sucker in North Turtle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on North Turtle Lake?
North Turtle Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: North Turtle Lake.
How is the walleye population on North Turtle Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2020, walleye numbers on North Turtle Lake ran mostly below 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 North Turtle Lake?
Homes on North 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 North Turtle Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on North Turtle Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 82% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Turtle Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for North Turtle Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about North Turtle Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), 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.