About Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a scenic Dane County lake worth knowing about, a intimate 15-acre lake reaching 4 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers.
Type: lake
Lake Location
42.88270° N, 89.03260° W
WBIC 780700 · Wisconsin DNRLocal's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Turtle Lake has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 15-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Turtle Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Turtle Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Dane County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Turtle Lake is one of Dane County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about Turtle Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice out arrives in late March to early April on southern Wisconsin lakes. Bass and panfish fishing is excellent from early May onward. Swimming season runs from early June through September. Fall color peaks in mid-October. Ice fishing is possible in most winters but season length varies — check conditions before heading out.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you boat on Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has 15 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 4 feet.
Are there invasive species in Turtle Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Turtle Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Turtle Lake located?
Turtle Lake is located in Dane County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 42.8827° N, 89.0326° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Turtle Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Dane County lakes. Check our Turtle Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Dane County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Turtle Lake
Regulation data is not available for this lake. Check with the Wisconsin DNR for current season rules before fishing.
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 780700
- County
- Dane County
- Surface Area
- 15 acres
- Max Depth
- 4 ft
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 42.8827, -89.0326
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Turtle Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.