Big Portage Lake
About Big Portage Lake
Big Portage Lake is a 902-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Big Portage Lake
- 902 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 6.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 902 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 901 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Portage Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rainy Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus129 acres
1.7 miles away
Deep Portage Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Pontoria129 acres
1.7 miles away
Sylvan Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus113 acres
2.2 miles away
Five Point Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack251 acres
2.2 miles away
Sanborn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus220 acres
2.3 miles away
Ox Yoke Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus185 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Portage Lake?
Big Portage Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 902 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Portage Lake?
Big Portage Lake covers 902 acres with about 7.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Portage Lake?
Yes. Big Portage Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Portage Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big 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 Big Portage Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Portage Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Portage Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. Daily limit 10.