Portage Lake fishing

Fishing at Portage Lake has Walleye on the stocking report. It is stocked about 1.1 times a year since 1991, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night as the active times.

Last stocked

July 1, 2025

Plants on record

38

Since 1991

Species recorded

1

Surface acres

5,776.3

Access and facts

Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
restrooms, dock

7 DNR-listed boating access sites serve the lake, the largest with 1 launch lane. Administered by McLain State Park; a Recreation Passport is required. 1 toilet on site.

Sources: access , shore_notes , facilities , access.fee

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How Portage Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the fourth week of May. In 2025 it was June 27, 2025, later than usual.

No plants recorded in 19 years between 1991 and 2025.

About 3,073 reported fish per acre, 4th most of 11 lakes in Houghton County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Lake Perrault (11.4 mi) was stocked more recently.

Fish at Portage Lake

Fishing Portage Lake is most likely to be for Walleye. All 38 plants on record are Walleye.

Walleye 38 plants
Plants
38 of 38
Last stocked
July 1, 2025

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Fish stocked per year

  • 2,9171991
  • 1,500,0002003
  • 2,049,9602004
  • 4,500,0002005
  • 110,9252011
  • 499,8422012
  • 1,551,0212013
  • 1,210,2542014
  • 1,297,0002015
  • 1,107,7882016
  • 1,304,0592017
  • 1,200,0002018
  • 1,100,7572019
  • 132,8362021
  • 110,5882023
  • 75,0392025

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 38 plants Showing 38 plants

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
July 1, 2025 Walleye 27,665 – report
June 27, 2025 Walleye 47,374 – report
June 28, 2023 Walleye 37,273 – report
June 27, 2023 Walleye 73,315 – report
June 18, 2021 Walleye 85,097 – report
June 15, 2021 Walleye 47,739 – report
July 3, 2019 Walleye 59,339 – report
June 27, 2019 Walleye 41,418 – report
May 28, 2019 Walleye 1,000,000 – report
June 4, 2018 Walleye 850,000 – report
June 4, 2018 Walleye 350,000 – report
June 27, 2017 Walleye 54,059 – report
May 17, 2017 Walleye 1,250,000 – report
July 2, 2016 Walleye 39,006 – report
July 2, 2016 Walleye 58,198 – report
June 29, 2016 Walleye 10,584 – report
May 17, 2016 Walleye 1,000,000 – report
June 23, 2015 Walleye 97,000 – report
May 18, 2015 Walleye 1,200,000 – report
July 9, 2014 Walleye 13,394 – report
July 8, 2014 Walleye 11,637 – report
July 1, 2014 Walleye 47,002 – report
June 27, 2014 Walleye 15,140 – report
June 26, 2014 Walleye 23,081 – report
May 29, 2014 Walleye 1,100,000 – report
July 2, 2013 Walleye 51,021 – report
June 3, 2013 Walleye 1,500,000 – report
June 19, 2012 Walleye 10,115 – report
June 7, 2012 Walleye 16,506 – report
June 5, 2012 Walleye 23,221 – report
April 30, 2012 Walleye 450,000 – report
June 28, 2011 Walleye 11,325 – report
May 18, 2011 Walleye 99,600 – report
May 13, 2005 Walleye 3,000,000 – report
May 10, 2005 Walleye 1,500,000 – report
May 14, 2004 Walleye 2,049,960 – report
May 28, 2003 Walleye 1,500,000 – report
June 27, 1991 Walleye 2,917 – report
Show 23 more plants Show less

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

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