Portage Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. DNR lake ID 18005000.
Portage Lake is a 286.8-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. Its deepest point reaches 37 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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 | 18005000 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Garrison |
| Surface area | 286.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 37 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.4 ft, phosphorus 13.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Portage Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Portage Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | 1.83 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.33 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.67 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 11.33 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2016), Walleye 31.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2019).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Hanks Lake 0.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rice Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Crooked Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Butternut Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Scott Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Miller Lake 2.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nokay Lake 2.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Portage Lake
How deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake reaches a maximum depth of 37 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers about 286.8 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Portage Lake?
Summer water clarity on Portage Lake averages 11.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Portage Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Portage Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil.
What fish are in Portage Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Portage Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
How is the walleye population on Portage Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2016, 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?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.4 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 Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2016), 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.