Portage Lake
About Portage Lake
Portage Lake is a 269-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Portage Lake
- 269 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.4 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 269 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 148 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
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Portage Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Donalds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail166 acres
1.1 miles away
West Leaf Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail700 acres
1.9 miles away
Buchanan Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail964 acres
2.5 miles away
Pickerel Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail71 acres
3.1 miles away
Middle Leaf Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail404 acres
3.8 miles away
Rush Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail5,276 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 269 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 269 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 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 (concrete), 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.