---
type: lake
name: "Portage Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 128
max_depth_ft: 55
latitude: 48.06128
longitude: -90.58669
lake_score: 35
dnr_lake_id: "16032700"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/portage-lake
---

# Portage Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 128 acres
- **Max Depth**: 55 ft
- **Average Depth**: 18 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 8.9 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 35/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Portage Lake is a 128-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 18 feet, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.9 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including splake. 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 2022.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 3
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2022
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: No

## Activities

Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Splake, Green Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Iron Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/iron-lake) - 0.7 miles, 122 acres
- [Mayhew Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mayhew-lake) - 1.2 miles, 221 acres
- [Skipper Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/skipper-lake) - 1.3 miles, 107 acres
- [Rush Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/rush-lake) - 1.9 miles, 261 acres
- [Birch Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/birch-lake) - 2.5 miles, 236 acres
- [Little Iron Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-iron-lake) - 2.7 miles, 115 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.06128,-90.58669)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16032700)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/portage-lake)*