Poplar River Fishing
Polk County and Red Lake County.
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The short version on the Poplar River
The Poplar River is a Minnesota river with its course in Polk County and Red Lake County. About 45 miles are mapped in Minnesota. McIntosh is the closest Census city, roughly 1 mile away.
Launching on the Poplar River
The Poplar River has no mapped launch, so access is on foot.
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the Poplar River
The DNR posts no rule for the Poplar River by name.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Neighbor lakes around Poplar River
- Hill River4 miles
- Badger Lake7 miles
- Cameron Lake, Polk County7 miles
- Store Lake7 miles
Bait and tackle closest to Poplar River
- Wertish Bait Companybait and tackle shop, Mcintosh, 1 mile
- Hamres Bait & Fish Farmbait and tackle shop, Erskine, 5 miles
- Northern Bait And Conveniencefarm and general store with fishing supplies, Gonvick, 18 miles
Minnesota towns closest to Poplar River
- McIntosh1 mile
- Erskine6 miles
- Fosston8 miles
- Winger9 miles
Rivers one stop past the Poplar River
- Sand Hill River23 miles
- Wild Rice River26 miles
- Red Lake River29 miles
- Buckboard Creek33 miles
Poplar River, county lines
- Polk County
- Red Lake County
Piscifun gear suited to the Poplar River
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Handy answers on the Poplar River
Through which counties does the Poplar River run?
Look in Polk County and Red Lake County.
Do I need a trout stamp on the Poplar River?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the Poplar River discharge today?
No USGS gauge reports for it.
Is there a boat launch on the Poplar River?
No access record names it.
Are there bait limits on the Poplar River?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the Poplar River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Is there a bait and tackle stop near the Poplar River?
Wertish Bait Company, roughly 1 mile from the midpoint.
Which town sits near the Poplar River?
The closest Census city is McIntosh (1 mile).
Which fish can I hook in the Poplar River?
No survey list exists in the sources used.
Spend a morning on the Poplar River
Limits and flow are on this page.