Portsmouth Mine
About Portsmouth Mine
Portsmouth Mine is a 149-acre mine pit lake near Armour Number Two Mine in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 395 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 30.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Portsmouth Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Portsmouth Mine
- 149 acres, up to 395 feet deep, near Armour Number Two Mine
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 30.5 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Portsmouth Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 149 acres
- Max depth
- 395 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 30.5 ft
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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Portsmouth Campground
Best For
- Northern Pike fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Mine pit lakes drop off steeply right from shore and stay cold at depth
- 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
- 2022
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Portsmouth Campground is mapped on or near Portsmouth Mine. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Portsmouth Mine
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Nearby Lakes
Pennington Mine
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Ironton62 acres
0.9 miles away
Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Armour Number Two Mine272 acres
1.4 miles away
Mahnomen Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Trommald238 acres
1.6 miles away
Serpent Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Crosby1,116 acres
1.9 miles away
Huntington Mine
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Crosby106 acres
2.1 miles away
Clinker Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Crosby81 acres
2.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portsmouth Mine?
Portsmouth Mine is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Armour Number Two Mine. It covers 149 acres and reaches 395 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portsmouth Mine?
Portsmouth Mine covers 149 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 395 feet.
What fish can you catch at Portsmouth Mine?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Portsmouth Mine?
Yes. Portsmouth Mine has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Portsmouth Mine?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Portsmouth Mine. 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 Portsmouth Mine stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Portsmouth Mine; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Portsmouth Mine?
Yes. Portsmouth Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.