Fishing at Popple Lake, Morrison County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Popple Lake lies within the bounds of Morrison County, Minnesota. The setting is rolling bush on every side. At 12 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Supplies mean a trip to Little Falls, 2.8 miles off. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 85 miles away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Popple Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Across Morrison County, recorded fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Popple Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 71°F and January about 9°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. That is the shape of the year on Popple Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. The water borders Popple Lake Wildlife Management Area, so reserve rules are likely to apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Bullhead Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing on Popple Lake should be assumed from this page alone.