Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Portage 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 Portage Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Portage Lake, MN
- How big is Portage Lake?
- How deep is Portage Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Portage Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Portage Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Portage Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Portage Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Portage Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Portage Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Portage Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Portage Lake?
How big is Portage Lake?
How deep is Portage Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Portage Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Mimic Shiner, Mottled Sculpin, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Portage Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Portage Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Portage Lake?
Portage Lake area businesses:
Are there places to eat and drink near Portage Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Portage Lake?
Explore the Portage 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
Portage Lake (DOW# 11-0476; Lake Class 23) is a 277 acre lake located near Hackensack, MN. A US Forest Service owned public access is located on the south shore. Portage Lake has 3.12 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 84 feet. The DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Portage 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 are very clear.
Portage Lake primarily provides a quality bass fishery with additional fishing opportunities. Both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are abundant in Portage Lake. While the bass size structure is not as good as some other lakes in the Walker area, Portage Lake still has good numbers of 14-16 inch fish. In addition to excellent bass populations Portage Lake has a low density Northern Pike population with fish up to 37 inches. Like many lakes in the Walker Area, Portage Lake offers panfish angling opportunities as well.
Other fish species that anglers can expect to encounter include Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Walleye, White Sucker, 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 Portage 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 Portage Lake?
Are there any state parks near Portage 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 Portage Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Portage Lake | 0.1 mi | 356 | 65 ft |
Gadbolt Lake | 1.9 mi | 68 | 15 ft |
Bass Lake | 2.7 mi | 278 | 33 ft |
Ten Mile Lake | 2.9 mi | 5,080 | 208 ft |
Million Lake | 3.3 mi | 22 | 20 ft |
Four-One-Eight Lake | 3.9 mi | 12 | 45 ft |
Anway Lake | 3.9 mi | 21 | 45 ft |
Little Bass Lake | 4.2 mi | 114 | 16 ft |
Big Hanson Lake | 4.3 mi | 18 | 95 ft |
Stony Lake | 4.3 mi | 563 | 50 ft |