Turtle Flambeau Flowage Fishing
A 12,942-acre Wisconsin flowage in Iron County, down to 50 feet.
Pick for muskyPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of First Black Lake: Charlocharlie, CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting acquainted with Turtle Flambeau Flowage
The WDNR lists Turtle Flambeau Flowage at 12,942 acres, a flowage in Iron County. Depths reach 50 feet at the deepest spot. In a straight line, about 9 miles separates the lake from Mercer. Fisheries work here comes out of the Northern Region. Lake class on the WDNR layer reads complex two story.
Musky are managed here, listed as natural reproduction plus stocking (cat. 2). Its walleye come from stocking plus natural reproduction, per the WDNR. It holds Outstanding Resource Water status under state water rules. Walleye rules here follow the ceded territory standard. Fish on its WDNR list include northern pike, walleye, muskellunge, panfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. The WDNR access layer maps 5 public boat landings. WDNR satellite clarity is 4.8 feet for 2017.
For the musky herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 How abundant the fish are in Turtle Flambeau Flowage
The DNR sorts the Turtle Flambeau Flowage fishery into abundant, common and present groups.
| Fish group | WDNR abundance |
|---|---|
| Northern Pike | Abundant |
| Walleye | Abundant |
| Musky | Common |
| Panfish | Common |
| Smallmouth Bass | Common |
| Largemouth Bass | Present |
| Sturgeon | Present |
Walleye at Turtle Flambeau Flowage rely on stocking plus natural reproduction. The musky layer lists Turtle Flambeau Flowage as natural reproduction plus stocking (cat. 2).
The WDNR class note for Turtle Flambeau Flowage
“Complex two story lakes are able to support coldwater species – primarily cisco, and occasionally lake trout or lake whitefish. They have the potential to produce action and quality walleye fisheries.”
WDNR Find a Lake fish list and abundance, WDNR lake classification and fisheries designation layers, checked October 2026.
Landings around Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- Springstead Landing3 lanes, more than 25 trailer stalls, boarding dock, restroom, Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
- Fishermans Landing1 lane, more than 25 trailer stalls, boarding dock, restroom, Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
- Murrays Landing1 lane, 16 to 20 trailer stalls, restroom, Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
- Sportsmans Landing on Turtle Flambeau Flowage1 lane, 11 to 15 trailer stalls, boarding dock, Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
- Sturgeon Bay Landing1 lane, 1 to 5 trailer stalls, Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
Public landings near Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- Robinson LandingFlambeau River, 3 miles west
- Trude Lake AccessTrude Lake, 3 miles northeast
- Wilson Lake Landing near ButternutWilson Lake, 4 miles northeast
- One Man Lake AccessOne Man Lake, 5 miles northeast
- Brandt Lake AccessBrandt Lake, 5 miles northeast
- Lake of the Falls County Park Boat RampTurtle River, 5 miles north
WDNR Boat Access and Shore Fishing layers and Find a Lake landing table, checked October 2026.
Depth and bottom of Turtle Flambeau Flowage
Under the water, Turtle Flambeau Flowage is 45% sand, 30% gravel, 10% rock, 15% muck, per the DNR.
Hydrologically, Turtle Flambeau Flowage is a drainage lake (a stream flows in and out).
Turtle Flambeau Flowage has these invasive species on file: eurasian water-milfoil and purple loosestrife. Rinse gear before the next lake.
WDNR Find a Lake page, WDNR Landsat lake clarity layer, checked October 2026.
The rule table for Turtle Flambeau Flowage
WDNR lists these Turtle Flambeau Flowage seasons and bag rules species by species.
| Species | Season | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye, sauger and hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Walleye must be at least 12 inches, and only one may be over 15 inches. The daily bag limit is 3. |
| Muskellunge and hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 50" and the daily bag limit is 1. |
| Northern pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length, but largemouth bass and smallmouth bass from 14" to 18" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5. |
| Largemouth bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | No minimum length, but largemouth bass from 14" to 18" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5. |
| Smallmouth bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. |
| Crappie | Open All Year | Minimum length for crappies is 10" and bag limit for panfish is 10 in total. |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. |
| Lake sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. |
| Shovelnose sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. |
| Cisco and whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. |
| Rock, yellow and white bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. |
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. |
The WDNR record for Turtle Flambeau Flowage adds: Catch and release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor Trolling is allowed with 1 hook, bait, or lure per angler, and 3 hooks, baits, or lures maximum per boat.
County text for Iron: Iron County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait or lure per person; three lines maximum per boat). With the exceptions below, Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see page 12).
Turtle Flambeau Flowage is north of US Highway 10 for pike, and in the Northern Bass Zone for bass.
WDNR Lake Regulation search and the 2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations, checked October 2026.
Turtle Flambeau Flowage stocking history
Turtle Flambeau Flowage received 4,962 fish over 2 stocking records between 2023 and 2025.
| Year | Species | Size | Avg length | Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Muskellunge | large fingerling | 12.73 in | 2,462 |
| 2023 | Muskellunge | large fingerling | 11.7 in | 2,500 |
WDNR Fish Stocking Summary, stocking years 2023 to 2025. Wisconsin stocking.
Turtle Flambeau Flowage beside its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Landings | WDNR class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Flambeau Flowage | 12,942 | 50 | 5 | complex two story | |
| Fawn Lake, Iron County | 2 miles southeast | 21 | 16 | 0 | simple warm dark |
| Sand Lake, Iron County | 2 miles north | 99 | 35 | 0 | simple warm dark |
| Island Lake near Mercer, Iron County | 3 miles south | 53 | 5 | 0 | simple warm dark |
| Trude Lake | 3 miles northeast | 786 | 48 | 1 | complex cool dark |
| Boot Lake, Iron County | 3 miles southeast | 178 | 16 | 0 | complex cool clear |
WDNR Find a Lake, lake classification and boat access layers.
In reach of Turtle Flambeau Flowage
Other Wisconsin lakes close to Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- Fawn Lake, Iron County2 miles southeast
- Sand Lake, Iron County2 miles north
- Island Lake near Mercer, Iron County3 miles south
- Trude Lake3 miles northeast
- Boot Lake, Iron County3 miles southeast
Tackle shops a short drive from Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- Springstead Trading Postbait and tackle shop, Park Falls, 5 miles
- Turtle River Trading Cobait and tackle shop, Mercer, 8 miles
- Flambeau Flowage Sportsbait and tackle shop, Mercer, 8 miles
- St Croix Rodsbait and tackle shop, Park Falls, 17 miles
- River's Edge Lodge & Outfittersbait and tackle shop, Manitowish Waters, 17 miles
- Greer's Pier Marinamarina, Manitowish Waters, 17 miles
Nearby Wisconsin towns for Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- Mercer9 miles
- Lac du Flambeau16 miles
- Butternut16 miles
County pages for Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- Iron Countyseat: Hurley
Gear from Piscifun for Turtle Flambeau Flowage
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Shoreline scenes a drive from Turtle Flambeau Flowage
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Yinan Chen, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Squirrel lake, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick facts people look up on Turtle Flambeau Flowage
How far is Turtle Flambeau Flowage from the nearest Wisconsin town?
In Iron County, WDNR Northern Region, about 9 miles from Mercer.
How big is Turtle Flambeau Flowage by the WDNR count?
About 12,942 acres and 50 feet at the deepest.
Which landing should I use to launch on Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
Try Springstead Landing, one of 5 mapped landings.
Does the WDNR list walleye in Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
Find a Lake names northern pike (abundant), walleye (abundant), muskellunge (common), panfish (common), smallmouth bass (common), largemouth bass (present) and sturgeon (present).
What can I keep from Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
Walleye, sauger and hybrids, per WDNR: Walleye must be at least 12 inches, and only one may be over 15 inches. The daily bag limit is 3.
Is a stamp needed on Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
What lake class is Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
Satellite clarity about 4.8 feet (2017). Bottom: 45% sand, 30% gravel, 10% rock, 15% muck. WDNR class: complex two story. Type: drainage.
Where can I buy bait on the way to Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
Closest on our list: Springstead Trading Post, 5 miles.
What has been stocked in Turtle Flambeau Flowage?
In 2025, 2,462 muskellunge.
Put Turtle Flambeau Flowage on this year's Wisconsin list
Buy a Go Wild license before the drive.