Portage Lake
About Portage Lake
Portage Lake is a 1,539-acre lake near Bena in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Portage Lake
- 1,539 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Bena
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 5 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,539 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 674 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)
- 1 carry-in access
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 Portage Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Middle Sucker Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake286 acres
5.2 miles away
Upper Sucker Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake113 acres
5.2 miles away
Lower Sucker Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake592 acres
5.5 miles away
Sugar Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cass Lake1,509 acres
7.5 miles away
Six Mile Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena1,323 acres
8.1 miles away
Lake Winnibigoshish
79 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena56,471 acres
9.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Bena. It covers 1,539 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 1,539 acres with about 7.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Portage Lake?
Yes. Portage Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Portage Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Portage Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Portage Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.