Fishing at South Turtle, Minnesota

837-acre lake · Otter Tail County · 1 species stocked

If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, South Turtle is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Otter Tail County. At 837 acres, it offers small lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.

Recent Stocking Reports

The most recent 5 stocking events on record for South Turtle:

Species You Can Catch

• 🐟 Walleye

Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota

If you're targeting one of the species stocked in South Turtle, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:

• Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota

Best Time to Fish South Turtle

For walleye, the best fishing on South Turtle is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.

Nearby Lakes

Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of South Turtle:

• South Turtle Lake — 0.1 mi (633 ac)
• Fiske — 1.5 mi (254 ac)
• Fiske Lake — 1.5 mi (244 ac)
• North Turtle Lake — 1.7 mi (1,492 ac)
• North Turtle — 2.2 mi (1,773 ac)
• Elbow — 2.3 mi (188 ac)
• First Silver — 3.6 mi (529 ac)
• First Silver Lake — 3.6 mi (506 ac)

Fishing Regulations

A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at South Turtle. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish are stocked in South Turtle?

South Turtle has been stocked with Walleye.

When was South Turtle last stocked?

The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 597,000 walleye were planted.

Do I need a fishing license for South Turtle?

Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.