Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Ponto Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Visit Leech Lake
Leech Lake is known for offering the best Walleye fishing and Muskie fishing in the Midwest. With 195 miles of shoreline and 112,835 acres to explore, both professional fishermen and family fishing trips alike are sure to enjoy a successful day of fishing on Leech Lake.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Ponto Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ponto Lake, MN
- How big is Ponto Lake?
- How deep is Ponto Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Ponto Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Ponto Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Ponto Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Ponto Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Ponto Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Ponto Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Ponto Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Ponto Lake?
How big is Ponto Lake?
How deep is Ponto Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Ponto Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Ponto Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Ponto Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Ponto Lake?
Are there boat launches on Ponto Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Ponto Lake?
Explore the Ponto Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
Ponto Lake (DOW# 11-0234; Lake Class 23) is a 388-acre lake located near Backus, MN. A DNR owned public access is located on the southeast shore. Ponto Lake has 4.56 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 60 feet. The DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Ponto Lake is in Lake Class 23; lakes in this class tend to be deep, have a low percentage of area less than 15 feet deep, have hard water and be very clear.
Ponto Lake is a diverse multi-species fishery that offers something for all anglers. Northern Pike are abundant with fish up to 35 inches. Walleye numbers are similar to other lakes in this class. The majority of Walleye sampled in 2015 were harvestable sizes (14-19 inches). Black Crappie and Bluegill also can offer opportunities with decent numbers of quality-sized fish. While few Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass were sampled due to sampling limitations, quality opportunities are still available to anglers targeting bass.
Other fish species that anglers can expect to encounter include Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.
People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Harvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. No aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Ponto Lake. AIS are moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Walker Area Fisheries office.
What is the average air temp for Ponto Lake?
Are there any state parks near Ponto Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Ponto Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| One Lake | 0.9 mi | 73 | 35 ft |
| Two Lake | 1.4 mi | 45 | 25 ft |
| Long Lake | 1.4 mi | 246 | 37 ft |
| Island Lake | 1.5 mi | 184 | 40 ft |
| Hand Lake | 1.8 mi | 289 | 57 ft |
| Sand Lake | 2.0 mi | 149 | 54 ft |
| Sand Lake | 2.5 mi | 41 | 8 ft |
| Deep Portage Lake | 2.6 mi | 129 | 105 ft |
| Sylvan Lake | 2.6 mi | 113 | 26 ft |
| Hand Lake | 2.6 mi | 269 | 57 ft |
