Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Big Portage Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Explore 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?
- 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.
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.
"The Eagle's Nest" 2023 NoBo 10.7 w/Rhino Rack and optional rooftop tent
Laporte, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Big Portage Lake is a 918 acre lake located near Backus, Minnesota. Big Portage Lake has 7.22 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 23 feet. The lake has extensive vegetation with 98 percent of the lake area less than 15 feet deep. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different lake classes based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Big Portage Lake is in Lake Class 39. Lakes in this lake class are generally shallow, regularly shaped lakes. There is a public access on the east shore off of State Highway 87.
Big Portage Lake offers opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. Northern pike are abundant with quality size fish present. The average length of pike sampled in 2012 was 19 inches with fish up to 35 inches captured. Bluegill abundance is average compared to similar lakes in the area. A few fish over 8 inches in length were sampled in 2012 but the majority were between 5 and 7.5 inches. Walleye numbers are below average with larger fish present. The average length of walleye sampled was 18 inches and fish up to 26 inches were sampled. Historically black crappie abundance has been low, but the 2012 sample saw better numbers than previous years. Fish up to 13 inches long were caught. Because the lake has extensive areas of shallow water with an abundance of vegetation, largemouth bass have been difficult to sample. The same probably could be said for bluegill and black crappie. There was only one largemouth bass caught in the 2012 sampling, it was 16 inches long. Historically, largemouth bass have been sampled up to 19 inches in length. Yellow perch numbers are similar to other Lake Class 39 lakes with fish up to 10 inches in length present. Other species sampled were bowfin (dogfish), black bullhead, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, and white sucker.
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 | |
| Bass Lake | 1.4 mi | 93 | 28 ft |
| Rainy Lake | 1.7 mi | 129 | 29 ft |
| Deep Portage Lake | 1.7 mi | 129 | 105 ft |
| Fawn Lake | 1.8 mi | 46 | 29 ft |
| Johnson Lake | 1.8 mi | 90 | 55 ft |
| Sylvan Lake | 2.2 mi | 113 | 26 ft |
| Five Point Lake | 2.2 mi | 251 | 37 ft |
| Sanborn Lake | 2.3 mi | 220 | 48 ft |
| Ox Yoke Lake | 2.3 mi | 187 | 42 ft |
| Blind Lake | 2.5 mi | 82 | 20 ft |
