Poplar Lake
About Poplar Lake
Poplar Lake is a 764-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 23.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and burbot. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around May 8, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Poplar Lake
- 764 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and burbot
- Average water clarity around 10.7 feet
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 764 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Shoreline
- 23.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 290 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 8
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 20, 2012
- Latest
- May 15, 2018
- Most recent
- May 8, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Poplar Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Caribou Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais246 acres
1.6 miles away
Leo Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais102 acres
1.7 miles away
Swamp Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais181 acres
1.7 miles away
Moss Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais254 acres
1.9 miles away
Birch Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais236 acres
1.9 miles away
Meeds Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais351 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Poplar Lake?
Poplar Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 764 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Poplar Lake?
Poplar Lake covers 764 acres with about 23.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet.
What fish can you catch at Poplar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Poplar Lake?
Yes. Poplar Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Poplar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Poplar Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Poplar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Poplar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Poplar Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 8, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 20, 2012 and the latest is May 15, 2018.
Does Poplar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Poplar Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.