Deep Portage Lake
About Deep Portage Lake
Deep Portage Lake is a 129-acre lake near Pontoria in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 105 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 40 feet, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface).
Plan Your Visit to Deep Portage Lake
- 129 acres, up to 105 feet deep, near Pontoria
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 129 acres
- Max depth
- 105 ft
- Average depth
- 40 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 31 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Deep Portage Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Big Portage Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus902 acres
1.7 miles away
Sylvan Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus113 acres
1.9 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack246 acres
2.1 miles away
Ponto Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus388 acres
2.6 miles away
Five Point Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack251 acres
2.8 miles away
Big Deep Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack536 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deep Portage Lake?
Deep Portage Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pontoria. It covers 129 acres and reaches 105 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Deep Portage Lake?
Deep Portage Lake covers 129 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 105 feet and its average depth is about 40 feet.
What fish can you catch at Deep Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Deep Portage Lake?
Yes. Deep Portage Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Deep Portage Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Deep 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 Deep Portage Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Deep Portage Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.