Portage Lake

How big is Portage Lake?

How deep is Portage Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Portage Lake?

What are the closest cities to Portage Lake?

Are there boat launches on Portage Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Portage Lake?

Portage Lake is located three miles northwest of Park Rapids in west-central Hubbard County. Portage has a surface area of 429 acres and a maximum depth of 17 feet. A county owned public access is located on the south shore of the lake. Portage is a very popular lake for ice fishing, as it is one of the first lakes to freeze in the area. Due to the shallow depth and heavy aquatic vegetation growth, Portage Lake is subject to periodic winterkills. Portage provides angling opportunities for Northern Pike, Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Walleye.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Portage is in lake class 39, one of fifteen class 39 lakes in the Park Rapids management area. Class 39 lakes are generally shallow, with high littoral area and are regularly shaped. Other class 39 lakes in the work area include: First Crow Wing, Fourth Crow Wing, Ham, Hennepin, Loon, Minnie, Paine, Peysenski, Rice, Shallow, Upper Twin, Wolf, and Hungryman.
Northern Pike abundance was down from recent surveys but is still considered high. Anglers will find the Northern Pike population spread out with most from 13 to 27 inches in length. Northern Pike sampled had an average length of 18.8 inches and weighed 1.5 pounds.
Portage supports a fast-growing Black Crappie population and angling for them is popular year-round. Anglers will find most Black Crappie in the 8.5 - 10.5 inch size range, with fish up to 12.3 inches. Portage also provides good fishing for Bluegill and Pumpkinseed; with some nicer fish up to 8.5 inches sampled.
Walleye were sampled in low numbers, and below previous recent surveys. Walleye sampled had an average length of 15.9 inches with fish measuring up to 20.6 inches. Yellow Perch, an important forage species for Walleye were sampled in increasing numbers, but most were too small for anglers.
Curly-leaf Pondweed is an aquatic invasive species (AIS) that has been identified in Portage. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.

What is the average air temp for Portage Lake?

Are there any state parks near Portage Lake?