Portage Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Deerwood (Crow Wing). DNR lake ID 18006900.
Portage Lake is a 129.9-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Deerwood (Crow Wing). Its deepest point reaches 57 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Portage LakeWhat’s my Portage Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18006900 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Deerwood (Crow Wing) |
| Surface area | 129.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 57 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.5 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 13.5 ft.
Fishing on Portage Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1993 (33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 3.0 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.75 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.5 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.33 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 34.33 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 5.75 | 1.0 to 13.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.83 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.83 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (1993), Northern pike 32.0 in (1993).
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
- Ann Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Hamlet Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Reno Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Placid Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Peterson Lake 1.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rice Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Larson Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rose Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Portage Lake
How deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake reaches a maximum depth of 57 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers about 129.9 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Portage Lake?
Summer water clarity on Portage Lake averages 13.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
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.
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 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.5 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 1993), 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.