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MN Fish Finder

Poplar

Cook County
Near Grand Marais
DOW: 16023900
Black CrappieExcellent · 76Yellow PerchGood · 59WalleyeAverage · 48

A 764-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County — best known for panfish and walleye. Last surveyed 2020.

Fish Species (12)

Black Crappie

Excellent · 76

Typical numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2020

Avg Size
9.7"
Avg Weight
0.43 lbs

Catch rate: 0.25 per trap net · typical 0.1–0.4 for a lake like this

Size of catchable black crappie67% keeper-size (10"+)
5–9" · 33%Largest sampled 13"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 6, 20200.259.7"0.43 lbs
Jul 6, 20200.259.7"1.03 lbs
Jul 25, 20160.081.3"0.71 lbs

Yellow Perch

Good · 59

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1991

Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution

Avg Weight
0.20 lbs

Catch rate: 0.92 per gill net · typical 0.4–3.7 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 6, 20200.175.0"0.07 lbs
Jul 25, 20160.401.1"0.13 lbs
Jul 25, 201625.001.1"-

Walleye

Stocked 2023
Average · 48

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1991

Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution

Avg Weight
0.50 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net · typical 1.2–5.2 for a lake like this

Size of catchable walleye47% keeper-size (15"+)
10–14" · 53%Largest sampled 31"

Size from the Jul 2020 survey

Stocked with fingerlings every other year · 56,275 fish total
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 6, 20200.5814.8"0.71 lbs
Jul 6, 20200.8314.8"2.29 lbs
Jul 25, 20160.0812.1"-
Stocking Details
YearSizeNumberPounds
2023fingerlings17,216586.4
2021fingerlings7,206400.3
2019fingerlings20,250578.6
2017fingerlings11,603580.1

Northern Pike

Poor · 14

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1991

Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution

Avg Weight
1.19 lbs

Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 0.6–2.4 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike0% keeper-size (24"+)
14–23" · 100%Largest sampled 23"

Size from the Jul 2020 survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 6, 20200.9217.0"1.48 lbs
Jul 6, 20201.1717.0"0.96 lbs
Jul 25, 20160.2517.2"0.48 lbs

Hybrid Sunfish

Poor · 13

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2006

Last surveyed 2006 — treat with caution

Avg Size
3.4"
Avg Weight
0.10 lbs

Catch rate: 0.25 per trap net

Size of catchable hybrid sunfish0% keeper-size (8"+)
3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 5"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20060.253.4"0.10 lbs
Jul 24, 20060.193.4"0.02 lbs

Pumpkinseed

Poor · 7

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2012

Last surveyed 2012 — treat with caution

Avg Size
4.0"
Avg Weight
0.11 lbs

Catch rate: 0.17 per trap net · typical 0.5 for a lake like this

Size of catchable pumpkinseed0% keeper-size (8"+)
3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 6"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 9, 20120.094.0"0.02 lbs
Jul 9, 20120.834.0"-
Jul 9, 20120.174.0"0.11 lbs

Bluegill

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jul 2012

Last surveyed 2012 — treat with caution

Catch rate: 0.61 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 9, 20120.61--

Smallmouth Bass

Insufficient

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2020

Avg Size
10.5"
Avg Weight
2.66 lbs

Catch rate: 0.08 per gill net

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 6, 20200.2510.5"0.69 lbs
Jul 6, 20200.0810.5"2.66 lbs
Jul 25, 20160.252.4"1.91 lbs

Largemouth Bass

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1999

Last surveyed 1999 — treat with caution

Avg Size
3.0"
Avg Weight
0.03 lbs

Catch rate: 0.08 per trap net

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 26, 19990.083.0"0.03 lbs

Lake Trout

Insufficient

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2003

Last surveyed 2003 — treat with caution

Avg Size
8.3"
Avg Weight
0.20 lbs

Catch rate: 0.88 per gill net

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Aug 4, 20030.888.3"0.20 lbs
Jul 26, 19990.757.1"0.13 lbs
Jul 26, 19990.127.1"0.10 lbs
Other species in this lake (2)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Average · 48

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1991

Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution

Avg Weight
1.83 lbs

Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 0.8–5.3 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 6, 20202.2517.4"2.50 lbs
Jul 25, 20160.3314.6"1.13 lbs
Jul 25, 20161.6014.6"2.12 lbs

Iowa Darter

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1993

Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution

Avg Size
1.0"

Catch rate: 0.12 per trap net

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 12, 19930.121.0"-

Biologist Notes

August 5, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Poplar Lake on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Poplar Lake on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 18.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 64.1 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 45.7 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.3 degrees C (48.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 6 years between 1984-2023 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

August 5, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Poplar Lake on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Poplar Lake on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 18.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 64.1 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 45.7 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.3 degrees C (48.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 6 years between 1984-2023 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

August 5, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Poplar Lake on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Poplar Lake on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 18.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 64.1 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 45.7 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.3 degrees C (48.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 6 years between 1984-2023 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Poplar?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Hybrid Sunfish in Poplar. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Poplar?

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Poplar. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

How deep is Poplar?

Poplar has a maximum depth of 73 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Poplar last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Poplar is from 2020.

Does Poplar have any invasive species?

Yes — Poplar has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

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Lake Details

Surface Area
764 acres
Max Depth
73 ft
Shoreline
23.22 mi
Public Access
Yes
View on DNR LakeFinder

Invasive Species Alert

  • spiny waterflea

Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to prevent spread.

Location

48.0467°N, 90.5093°W

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