Portage

Portage Lake is 372 acres with an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 18 feet. A targeted panfish assessment was conducted on 5/14/2025. A total of 34 Bluegill were captured for a trap net catch rate of 5.7 per net. Bluegill averaged 6.7 inches with fish up to 9.3 inches observed. Fish ranged from 2 to 8 years old with age 7 (2018 year-class) fish absent in the sample. Ages 4 and 5 (2021 and 2020 year-class) were the most frequent age-classes in the sample and made up 32 and 44 percent of the Bluegill catch. Bluegill averaged 6.2 inches in 4 years and was within the range of previous assessments (historical range was 3.9 to 7.2 inches at age 4). Thirty-seven Black Crappie were sampled, resulting in a trap net catch rate of 6.1 per net. Crappie averaged 9.2 inches with fish up to 14.0 inches observed. Fish ranged from 4 to 9 years old with all age-classes observed. Age 5 (2020 year-class) fish were the most frequent in the sample and accounted for 35 percent of the Crappie catch. Crappie averaged 7.3 inches in 4 years and was within the range of previous assessments (Historic range was 5.5 to 7.5 inches at age 4).

This survey was conducted on 2/27/2025 to gauge the likelihood of a winterkill occurring on Portage Lake. Winter dissolved oxygen levels were good for Portage Lake and likely tolerable based on this survey with 4.5 ppm below the ice and 1.1 ppm near the bottom. Therefore, it seemed unlikely for any significant winterkill to occur in spring 2025.

This survey was conducted on 2/27/2025 to gauge the likelihood of a winterkill occurring on Portage Lake. Winter dissolved oxygen levels were good for Portage Lake and likely tolerable based on this survey with 4.5 ppm below the ice and 1.1 ppm near the bottom. Therefore, it seemed unlikely for any significant winterkill to occur in spring 2025.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Pumpkinseed in Portage. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Portage. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Portage has a maximum depth of 18 feet and a mean depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Portage is from 2022.

No invasive species are on record for Portage in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Portage has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.