Portage Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. DNR lake ID 11049000.
Portage Lake is a 360.7-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. Its deepest point reaches 65 ft, and about 47% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Portage Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11049000 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Cass Lake |
| Surface area | 360.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 65 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 47% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.9 ft through 2021 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2021) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2021: clarity 10.9 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Portage Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2021: clearer.
Fishing on Portage Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1998 (28 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 3.89 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 15.89 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 30.11 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.22 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.78 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 2.67 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.89 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.11 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.22 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.67 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.11 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.67 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (1998), Northern pike 36.0 in (1998), Walleye 25.0 in (1998), Smallmouth bass 15.0 in (1998).
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Little Twin Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
- Welch Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
- Thirteen Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
- Crooked Lake 2.9 mi, Cass County
- Moss Lake 2.9 mi, Cass County
- Steamboat Lake 3.0 mi, Cass County
- Twin Lake 3.1 mi, Cass County
- Swamp Lake 4.9 mi, Cass County
Questions about Portage Lake
How deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake reaches a maximum depth of 65 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 47% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers about 360.7 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Portage Lake?
Summer water clarity on Portage Lake averages 10.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Portage Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Portage Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
How is the walleye population on Portage Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 1998, walleye numbers on Portage Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Portage Lake?
Homes on Portage Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Portage Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Portage Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 47% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Portage Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Portage Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Portage Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1998), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.