The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Portage Lake
Cass County, Minnesota · about 1,430 acres (2.2 sq mi)
40°F water, calm this morning.
About Portage Lake
In Cass County, Minnesota, Portage Lake covers about 1,430 acres.
It stretches about 2.6 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 7.4 miles. At about 1,300 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Walker is about 20 miles southwest.
- Size
- About 1,430 acres (2.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.4 miles
- End to end
- About 2.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,300 ft
- County
- Cass County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Minnesota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 40°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 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 7:19 am · sunset 4:43 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Portage Lake
- Walkerabout 20 mi southwest
- Bemidjiabout 27 mi west
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Questions about Portage Lake
What fish are in Portage Lake?
Lakes like Portage Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Portage Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Portage Lake?
About 1,430 acres, with about 7.4 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Portage Lake?
Walker is about 20 miles southwest; Bemidji is about 27 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Portage Lake today?
The surface was about 40°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.
