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South Turtle Lake

Vilas County · deep lake with a cold bottom layer (cisco water)

466Acres
40ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on South Turtle

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What South Turtle is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.2
MuskyCommon6.6
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthPresent4.1
SmallmouthPresent4.1
Northern pikePresent4.1
How we rate

Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.

Depth map

Wisconsin DNR

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 40 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
WalleyeNo size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 25 a dayOpen All YearOpen
SturgeonNo fishingClosed
LicenseWisconsin fishing license. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here. How to buy one →
Full rules from the DNR

Launches & access

1 public
Bottomsand 50% · gravel 20% · rock 20% · muck 10%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupTurtle Lakes Chain Association

Before you go

DNR
How often it's safe to eat

This is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.

Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch

Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes

Up to 1 meal a month Muskies

Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR details
Invasive species here

Banded Mystery Snail · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish · Yellow Iris

Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

Reviews

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Near South Turtle

Local deals

Local bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business

South Turtle board

Catches & reports

Lakes near South Turtle

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
North Turtle LakeVilas1.936958 ft
Lake AdeladeVilas2.56069 ft
Birch LakeVilas2.752845 ft
Cedar LakeIron2.819120 ft
Toy LakeVilas3.17011 ft
Rainbow LakeVilas3.214636 ft
Catherine LakeIron3.211814 ft
North Bass LakeIron3.419411 ft

South Turtle questions

How deep is South Turtle Lake?

South Turtle Lake is 40 feet at its deepest. It covers 466 acres.

What fish are in South Turtle Lake?

The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), panfish (common), walleye (common), largemouth bass (present), smallmouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).

Where is the boat launch on South Turtle Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access at Chicago Ave Off County Hwy W.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish South Turtle Lake?

A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.

What is the walleye limit on South Turtle Lake?

No size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.