Portage Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota. DNR lake ID 56014000.
Portage Lake is a 289-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Its deepest point reaches 49 ft, and about 55% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Portage LakeWhat’s my Portage Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56014000 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County |
| Surface area | 289 acres |
| Maximum depth | 49 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 55% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.1 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 16.1 ft, phosphorus 10.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Portage Lake rates as oligotrophic.
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
- Portage Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. Approximately 1 mi E of downtown Ottertail on Mn Hwy 108, then 1 mi S on Cnty Rd 61 to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Portage (main bay) 0.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 1.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Donalds Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Leaf Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pelican Bay 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Buchanan Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Gourd Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Portage Lake
How deep is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake reaches a maximum depth of 49 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 55% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers about 289 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Portage Lake?
Summer water clarity on Portage Lake averages 16.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
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.
Where is the public boat access on Portage Lake?
Portage Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Portage Lake.
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 55% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.1 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 Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest not on record), 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.