Big Portage Lake
Cass County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. 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 Big Portage Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Big Portage Lake, MN
- How big is Big Portage Lake?
- How deep is Big Portage Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Portage Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Big Portage Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Portage Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Big Portage Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Big Portage Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Portage Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Big Portage Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Big Portage Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Big Portage Lake?
How big is Big Portage Lake?
How deep is Big Portage Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Portage Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Big Portage Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Big Portage Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Big Portage Lake?
Are there boat launches on Big Portage Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Portage Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Big Portage Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Big Portage Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Big 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.
2025 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf - Family Friendly & Adventure Ready!
Bemidji, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Big Portage (Rice Portage) Lake is a 902-acre lake with 7.22 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 23 feet located northeast of Backus, MN. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Big Portage Lake is in Lake Class 39. Other area lakes in this class include Brockway, Island (Bucker) and Townline. A State-owned public access is located on the south shore and most of the lakeshore is privately owned. Big Portage Lake is primarily managed for Northern Pike, Bluegill and Walleye, and secondarily for Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. A special regulation for Sunfish (daily limit 10 fish, 20 in possession) and Black Crappie (daily limit 5 fish, 10 in possession) was implemented in 2021.
Big Portage Lake provides multi-species angling opportunity. Northern Pike abundance met management goals with fish ranging in length from 10 to 34 inches and averaging 19 inches long. Bluegill abundance met management goals with an average length of seven inches and fish up to nine inches long sampled. Walleye were sampled in low numbers and did not meet the management goal. Walleye averaged 24 inches long and fish ranging from 21 to 28 inches were sampled. Black Crappie ranged in length from four to 12 inches long. Largemouth Bass were sampled in low numbers with an average of length of 15 inches and fish ranging from 12 to 19 inches. Management goals for Largemouth Bass are based on spring electro-fishing which was not conducted in 2023. Yellow Perch catches did not meet management goals. Sampled perch ranged from five to nine inches and averaged six inches long.
Other fish species sampled include Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead.
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. Currently, no aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Big 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 Big Portage Lake?
Are there any state parks near Big 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 Big Portage Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| North Twin Lake | 1.5 mi | 17 | |
| Rainy Lake | 1.7 mi | 129 | 29 ft |
| Deep Portage Lake | 1.7 mi | 129 | 105 ft |
| South Twin Lake | 1.7 mi | 17 | |
| Fawn Lake | 1.8 mi | 46 | 29 ft |
| Johnson Lake | 1.8 mi | 90 | 55 ft |
| Mud Lake | 1.8 mi | 20 | |
| Little Portage Lake | 2.2 mi | 42 | |
| Sylvan Lake | 2.2 mi | 113 | 26 ft |
| Five Point Lake | 2.2 mi | 251 | 37 ft |
