Deep Portage

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Deep Portage Lake on August 1, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 35.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 18.7 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 7.1 degrees C (44.8 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2017-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2017. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Deep Portage Lake on August 1, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 35.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 18.7 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 7.1 degrees C (44.8 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2017-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2017. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Deep Portage Lake on August 1, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 35.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 18.7 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 7.1 degrees C (44.8 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2017-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2017. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass in Deep 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 Deep Portage. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Deep Portage has a maximum depth of 105 feet and a mean depth of 40 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Deep Portage is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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

No — Deep 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.