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The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

North Turtle Lake

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 1,410 acres (2.2 sq mi)

43°F water, calm this morning.

Water43°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today7 mphESE
Best bite3:15 pmto 5:00 pm

About North Turtle Lake

North Turtle Lake is a lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, covering about 1,410 acres.

From end to end it runs about 4.5 miles with roughly 13.9 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,330 ft above sea level. Fergus Falls is about 11 miles west. Fargo, the nearest city, is about 60 miles northwest.

Size
About 1,410 acres (2.2 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 13.9 miles
End to end
About 4.5 miles
Elevation
About 1,330 ft
County
Otter Tail County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
  • 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph

Saturday Good

  • 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
  • 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish to expect

For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 43°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.

  • Good
    Northern pike

    Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Good
    Yellow perch

    Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.

  • Slow
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Back of a cove

    Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

43°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Friday 37° / —° 7 mph ESE Sunny
Saturday 39° / 23° 12 mph SSE Mostly Sunny
Sunday 44° / 25° 14 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:22 am · sunset 4:52 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near North Turtle Lake

  • Fergus Fallsabout 11 mi west
  • Perhamabout 21 mi northeast
  • Elbow Lakeabout 21 mi south
  • Pelican Rapidsabout 22 mi northwest
  • Fargonearest city, about 60 mi northwest

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Questions about North Turtle Lake

What fish are in North Turtle Lake?

Lakes like North Turtle Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is North Turtle Lake?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is North Turtle Lake?

About 1,410 acres, with about 13.9 miles of shoreline.

What town is near North Turtle Lake?

Fergus Falls is about 11 miles west; Perham is about 21 miles northeast.

What is the water temperature at North Turtle Lake today?

The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

North Turtle Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

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