Portage Lake
About Portage Lake
Portage Lake is a 287-acre lake near Garrison in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface). 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 16, based on 27 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Portage Lake
- 287 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Garrison
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 13.1 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 287 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 110 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
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 27
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- May 3, 2022
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
Compare Portage Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Hanks Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison165 acres
0.7 miles away
Crooked Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison463 acres
1.6 miles away
Scott Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison157 acres
2.6 miles away
Miller Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison132 acres
2.9 miles away
Nokay Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd704 acres
2.9 miles away
Clearwater Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)905 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. It covers 287 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 287 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 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?
Yes. Portage Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). 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.
When does the ice go out on Portage Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 27 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
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.