Poplar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

No — Poplar has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.