Portage Lake
About Portage Lake
Portage Lake is a 361-acre lake near Cass Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 1998.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Portage Lake
- 361 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 361 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 168 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 1998
- 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
Little Twin Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson112 acres
2.4 miles away
Welch Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake196 acres
2.4 miles away
Thirteen Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake555 acres
2.5 miles away
Crooked Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake582 acres
2.9 miles away
Steamboat Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake1,756 acres
3 miles away
Twin Lake
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake169 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 361 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 361 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet.
What fish can you catch at Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Portage Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Portage Lake.
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.