Portage Lake - Gem of the Chippewa Forest
Portage
Lake is a 1,488 lake located 5 miles west of Bena, Minnesota.
Located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest the lake is a
well-kept secret. Portage receives relatively little fishing
pressure due to its proximity to more well-known Minnesota fisheries and
its limited shoreline development. What does that mean? It
means grab your tackle box and hold on to your hat - you are in for some
great fishing for
walleye,
crappie and northern!
With a maximum depth of 55 feet the lake
offers great walleye fishing. Its soft sand bottom, abundant aquatic
plants and profuse yellow perch prey base combine to provide excellent
habitat for its naturally reproducing walleye populationAdditionally, the Department of Natural Resources supplements the natural
walleye population with a stocking program. The most recent
survey
done by the DNR reported that growth of the walleye population was above
statewide averages for all age classifications. Though managed by
the DNR primarily for walleye Portage Lake offers a wide variety fishing
opportunities. Anglers can expect great
crappie
fishing and
northern fishing. In the DNR's 2000 fish survey growth
rates for black crappie and northern pike were also above statewide
averages. In addition,
species
including
bluegill, perch,
largemouth bass, and rock bass make Portage a great place to take your
kids fishing!
Here are some helpful Portage Lake links:
Lake Information & Fish Sampling Report
Portage Lake Map - (.pdf file)
Portage Lake Topographical Map
Questions? Please feel free to call us at 1-877-665-2311.