Portage Lake
About Portage Lake
Portage Lake is a 372-acre lake near Kimberly in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Portage Lake
- 372 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Kimberly
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 372 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 313 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Portage Lake
Compare Portage Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Turner Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor63 acres
1.8 miles away
Rock Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor341 acres
3.3 miles away
Round Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor185 acres
4.7 miles away
Fleming Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade319 acres
4.9 miles away
Jenkins Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade114 acres
5.3 miles away
Wilkins Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade349 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Kimberly. It covers 372 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 372 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Portage Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Portage Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Portage Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Portage Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Portage Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.