Turtle Creek Fishing
Freeborn County and Mower County.
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Key facts on the Turtle Creek
The DNR maps the Turtle Creek as a creek running through Freeborn County and Mower County. Roughly 23 miles of channel are mapped. Census points put Hollandale closest, around 5 miles off.
Boaters and paddlers have 1 public access.
Landings on the Turtle Creek
- Turtle Creek Access1 ramp, Mower County
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Possession limits on the Turtle Creek
The statewide inland rows are the rule set on the Turtle Creek.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Lakes one stop past Turtle Creek
- Mill Pond, Mower County9 miles
- Geneva Lake, Freeborn County9 miles
- Ramsey Mill Pond9 miles
- East Side Lake10 miles
Bait shops an easy drive from Turtle Creek
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Austin, 7 miles
- The Dam Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Albert Lea, 12 miles
Towns to stay in near Turtle Creek
- Hollandale5 miles
- Hayward7 miles
- Mapleview8 miles
- Austin8 miles
More Minnesota streams near the Turtle Creek
- Orchard Creek8 miles
- Cedar River11 miles
- Shell Rock River12 miles
- Straight River, Steele County24 miles
Turtle Creek and its counties
Reels and a weigh grip for the Turtle Creek
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Catches common at Turtle Creek
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: Scott Harden, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
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What people ask about the Turtle Creek
Which Minnesota counties does the Turtle Creek cross?
Counties: Freeborn County and Mower County.
How does the DNR list the Turtle Creek for trout?
No trout designation applies to it.
Is the Turtle Creek running high today?
USGS has no active gauge tied to it.
Can I paddle a kayak on the Turtle Creek?
1 public access on file, led by Turtle Creek Access.
What are the limits on the Turtle Creek?
Nothing beyond statewide limits.
What does a license for the Turtle Creek cost?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Where can I buy minnows near the Turtle Creek?
The nearest listing is Runnings, 7 miles off.
Which city is nearest the Turtle Creek?
Hollandale is the closest Census city, around 5 miles.
Which fish bite in the Turtle Creek?
The DNR publishes no stream survey list for it in LakeFinder.
Drive to the Turtle Creek
Trout rules change by season; read them first.