The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Portage Lake
Houghton County, Michigan · 9,640 acres (15.1 sq mi)
44°F water, calm this afternoon.
About Portage Lake
In Houghton County, Michigan, Portage Lake covers 9,640 acres; it is a natural lake. It lies on the part of the Keweenaw Waterway. Portage Lake lies on the Keweenaw Peninsula and forms part of the Keweenaw Waterway, a channel that cuts across the peninsula to link Lake Superior on both sides.
From end to end it runs about 11.7 miles with roughly 54 miles of shoreline. At about 600 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. It reaches about 54 ft at its deepest. Dollar Bay sits right on the water.
- Size
- 9,640 acres (15.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 54 ft
- Shoreline
- About 54 miles
- End to end
- About 11.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 600 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- River
- part of the Keweenaw Waterway
- County
- Houghton County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Portage Lake
Portage Lake holds walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout, yellow perch and catfish. With the surface at 44°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:55 am · sunset 4:20 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Portage Lake
- Dollar Bayon the shore
- Houghtonon the shore
- Hancockabout 1.2 mi northwest
- Lauriumabout 3.7 mi north
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Questions about Portage Lake
What fish are in Portage Lake?
Portage Lake holds walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout, yellow perch and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Portage Lake?
About 54 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Portage Lake?
9,640 acres, with about 54 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Portage Lake?
Dollar Bay is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at Portage Lake today?
The surface was about 44°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Portage Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
