Turtle River
Turtle River
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 3
- Species
- 11
The Turtle River is a scenic waterway flowing through eastern North Dakota near Grand Forks, offering anglers a unique trout fishing experience in the heart of the Great Plains. This prairie stream provides an oasis for fly fishing enthusiasts and conventional anglers alike, with the best fishing occurring in Turtle River State Park west of Grand Forks. The river is stocked with rainbow trout several times annually by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, creating a specialized fishing opportunity that stands out in a region better known for walleye and pike. While not a year-round fishery due to seasonal temperature fluctuations, the Turtle River delivers excellent fishing in spring and fall, with the potential for both stocked trout and occasional holdover fish that reach impressive sizes.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Turtle River and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Rainbow Trout700 fish · Catchable sizeMay 13, 2026
- Rainbow Trout700 fish · Catchable sizeApr 29, 2026
- Rainbow Trout200 fish · Catchable sizeSep 11, 2025
- Rainbow Trout700 fish · Catchable sizeApr 22, 2025
- Rainbow Trout700 fish · Catchable sizeApr 13, 2025
Source
North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Turtle River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Turtle River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
North Dakota licenses and regulations
North Dakota Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
North Dakota Fishing License
Residents and Nonresidents under 16 years old and older are not required to have a fishing license
North Dakota Fishing Regulations
This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
North Dakota Stream Access Laws
Any person, before commencing any construction for the purpose of appropriating waters of the state or before taking waters of the state from any constructed works, shall first secure a water permit from the state engineer unless such construction or taking from such constructed works is for domestic or livestock purposes or for fish, wildlife, and other recreational uses.
Take Turtle River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Turtle River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Turtle River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Turtle River and check the forecast before you go.
TURTLE RIVER AT TURTLE R STATE PARK NR ARVILLA, ND
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