Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Portage

Spring puts cisco (lake herring) in skinny water — 9 to 35 ft is the zone. Summer fish stay in 11 to 35 ft, and winter fish hold in 11 to 35 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 35 ft, rated prime for spring cisco (lake herring). Plan around early morning in the warm months. A vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic covers the summer program.

Walleye fishing at Portage

Start shallow in spring: walleye sit in 4 to 15 ft that time of year. Summer pushes them deeper, 15 to 35 ft, and winter fish settle into 11 to 35 ft. The spot to know is Break off the point, a drop-off in about 25 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. Warm-month bites cluster around the evening and early morning. Throw a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) until the fish tell you otherwise.

Yellow Perch fishing at Portage

Spring puts yellow perch in skinny water — 3 to 12 ft is the zone. As the season builds they drop to 10 to 30 ft, wintering in 15 to 35 ft. Fall yellow perch concentrate at Deep basin, a prime-rated deep basin around 35 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around early morning. A drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm covers the summer program.

Northern Pike fishing at Portage

Spring northern pike on Portage hold shallow, usually 2 to 8 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 5 to 15 ft. The chart's best answer is Shallow bay flat — weed flat, 1 ft, prime for spring. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Portage

Spring smallmouth bass on Portage hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 11 to 35 ft. The chart's best answer is Break off the point — drop-off, 25 ft, prime for winter. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Portage

Early season largemouth bass use the shallows, holding in 2 to 10 ft. Expect a summer slide to 8 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 25 ft that grades prime for winter. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Tie on a texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait and you're in the game.

How deep is Portage?

Portage is about 35 ft (11 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1969, a decades-old survey (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Portage?

Anglers target cisco (lake herring), walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead on Portage.

Where is the best fishing spot on Portage?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 35 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. Every other rated spot, per species and season, is on the map above.

When is the best time to fish Portage?

For cisco (lake herring), the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Portage stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Portage was most recently stocked 2025 with 1,800 walleye (fingerlings). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Portage?

Fishing on Portage is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. Check the official Minnesota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.