Ester

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Ester Lake on August 1st, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Lake Whitefish and Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 100.0 feet), the water temperature decreased to 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 36.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 82.5 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 45.7 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Lake Trout was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 4.7 degrees C (40.5 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Lake Trout 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 Ester Lake on August 14th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Lake Whitefish and Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 105.0 feet), the water temperature decreased below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 37.0 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 86.6 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 49.6 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 5.5 degrees C (41.9 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Ester Lake during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout 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 Ester Lake on August 14th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Lake Whitefish and Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 105.0 feet), the water temperature decreased below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 37.0 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 86.6 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 49.6 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 5.5 degrees C (41.9 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Ester Lake during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Lake Trout and Yellow Perch in Ester. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Ester. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Ester has a maximum depth of 110 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Ester is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Ester in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Ester has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.