Turtle Lake
Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples. DNR lake ID 77008800.
Turtle Lake is a 115.8-acre lake in Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 29% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic 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 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 | 77008800 |
|---|---|
| County | Todd County, near Staples |
| Surface area | 115.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Mean depth | 20.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 29% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.8 ft through 2023 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 2023: clarity 11.8 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Turtle Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Turtle Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | trap | 0.89 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.89 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.78 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 21.44 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.33 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 21.0 in (2022), Walleye 25.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 6.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, 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
- Turtle Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 0.5 mi N of Cushing on Hwy 10, then 2.5 mi W on Morrison Co Rd 7, then 5 mi W on Todd Co Rd 18, then 2 mi N on Todd Co Rd 17, then 0.5 mi W on Twp Rd to NE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Pine Island Lake 1.0 mi, Todd County
- Fawn Lake 2.0 mi, Todd County
- Rice Lake 3.8 mi, Todd County
- Cranberry Lake 3.9 mi, Todd County
- Star Lake 5.0 mi, Todd County
- Thunder Lake 5.2 mi, Todd County
- Big Lake 5.4 mi, Todd County
- Horseshoe Lake 5.9 mi, Todd County
Questions about Turtle Lake
How deep is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 29% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake covers about 115.8 acres in Todd County, Minnesota.
How clear is Turtle Lake?
Summer water clarity on Turtle Lake averages 11.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2023. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Turtle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
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 Turtle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Turtle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
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 2019, 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?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 29% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.8 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?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Turtle Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Turtle Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Todd County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), 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.