Portage (main bay)
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56014001.
Portage (main bay) is a 269.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. 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. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56014001 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 269.1 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 (main bay) rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Portage (main bay)
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 14.0 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.56 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 0.17 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.33 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.67 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 32.89 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 11.83 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 3.11 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.2 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.22 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 26.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2022), Walleye 24.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 17.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
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
- Portage Lake 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 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Buchanan Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Gourd Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Portage (main bay)
How deep is Portage (main bay)?
Portage (main bay) 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 (main bay)?
Portage (main bay) covers about 269.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Portage (main bay)?
Summer water clarity on Portage (main bay) averages 16.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Portage (main bay) have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Portage (main bay) 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.
What fish are in Portage (main bay)?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker in Portage (main bay). The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
How is the walleye population on Portage (main bay)?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on Portage (main bay) ran mostly above 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 (main bay)?
Homes on Portage (main bay) 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 (main bay) and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Portage (main bay)?
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 (main bay)?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Portage (main bay) in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Portage (main bay)
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 2022), 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.