Portage Lake
About Portage Lake
Portage Lake is a 277-acre lake near Hackensack in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 84 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 20 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 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. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Portage Lake
- 277 acres, up to 84 feet deep, near Hackensack
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 20 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 277 acres
- Max depth
- 84 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 20 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 95 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- April 21, 2007
- Latest
- May 19, 2004
- Most recent
- April 26, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Portage Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker278 acres
2.7 miles away
Ten Mile Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack5,080 acres
2.9 miles away
Little Bass Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley114 acres
4.2 miles away
Stony Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack563 acres
4.2 miles away
Howard Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley386 acres
4.8 miles away
Diamond Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker77 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. It covers 277 acres and reaches 84 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 277 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 84 feet.
What fish can you catch at Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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?
Yes. Portage Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Portage Lake?
Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Portage Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 21, 2007 and the latest is May 19, 2004.
Does Portage Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Portage Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.