Portage Lake fishing

Portage Lake fishing has Walleye on the stocking report. Also recorded: Northern pike, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Yellow perch, Lake sturgeon, and 7 more. It is stocked about 1.1 times a year since 1991, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye, Black crappie, and Rock bass, dawn, day, and dusk for Northern pike, Yellow perch, and Bluegill, and dawn and dusk for Smallmouth bass and Largemouth bass.

Portage Lake
Photo: Doc Searls, CC BY 2.0
Last stocked
July 1, 2025
· Walleye
Plants on record
38
Since 1991
Species stocked
1 (+13 also recorded)
Surface acres
5,776.3

Fish at Portage Lake

1 stocked · 13 confirmed present

Walleye Stocked · 38 plants · last July 1, 2025 Best: dawn, dusk, night

Last stocked July 1, 2025 · 38 plants

Best: dawn, dusk, night

Walleye species guide

How Portage Lake is stocked

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

About 3,073 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 10 lakes in Houghton County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Fish stocked in 1991

2,917

Fish stocked in 2003

1,500,000

Fish stocked in 2004

2,049,960

Fish stocked in 2005

4,500,000

Fish stocked in 2011

110,925

Fish stocked in 2012

499,842

Fish stocked in 2013

1,551,021

Fish stocked in 2014

1,210,254

Fish stocked in 2015

1,297,000

Fish stocked in 2016

1,107,788

Fish stocked in 2017

1,304,059

Fish stocked in 2018

1,200,000

Fish stocked in 2019

1,100,757

Fish stocked in 2021

132,836

Fish stocked in 2023

110,588

Fish stocked in 2025

75,039

Stocking history

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
July 1, 2025Walleye27,665–report
June 27, 2025Walleye47,374–report
June 28, 2023Walleye37,273–report
June 27, 2023Walleye73,315–report
June 18, 2021Walleye85,097–report
June 15, 2021Walleye47,739–report
July 3, 2019Walleye59,339–report
June 27, 2019Walleye41,418–report
May 28, 2019Walleye1,000,000–report
June 4, 2018Walleye850,000–report
June 4, 2018Walleye350,000–report
June 27, 2017Walleye54,059–report
May 17, 2017Walleye1,250,000–report
July 2, 2016Walleye39,006–report
July 2, 2016Walleye58,198–report
June 29, 2016Walleye10,584–report
May 17, 2016Walleye1,000,000–report
June 23, 2015Walleye97,000–report
May 18, 2015Walleye1,200,000–report
July 9, 2014Walleye13,394–report
July 8, 2014Walleye11,637–report
July 1, 2014Walleye47,002–report
June 27, 2014Walleye15,140–report
June 26, 2014Walleye23,081–report
May 29, 2014Walleye1,100,000–report
July 2, 2013Walleye51,021–report
June 3, 2013Walleye1,500,000–report
June 19, 2012Walleye10,115–report
June 7, 2012Walleye16,506–report
June 5, 2012Walleye23,221–report
April 30, 2012Walleye450,000–report
June 28, 2011Walleye11,325–report
May 18, 2011Walleye99,600–report
May 13, 2005Walleye3,000,000–report
May 10, 2005Walleye1,500,000–report
May 14, 2004Walleye2,049,960–report
May 28, 2003Walleye1,500,000–report
June 27, 1991Walleye2,917–report

Access and facts

Nearest town
Chassell, MI
Facilities
restrooms, dock, camping

View larger map · Open in Google Maps · Directions

Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you go.

About Portage Lake

Photo of Portage Lake
Doc Searls, CC BY 2.0
Photo of Portage Lake
Paul R. Burley, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo of Portage Lake
August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0

Nearest lakes

Torch Lake 7.6 mi last stocked April 25, 1988 Otter Lake 11.2 mi last stocked June 27, 2025 Lake Perrault 11.4 mi last stocked October 16, 2025 Rice Lake 12.1 mi last stocked October 17, 1991 Lake Gerald 19.5 mi last stocked October 6, 2015

Common questions

What fish are at Portage Lake?

Fishing Portage Lake usually means Walleye. All 38 plants on record are Walleye. Walleye was last stocked July 1, 2025. Northern pike, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Black crappie, plus 9 more are recorded here outside the stocking reports.

When is Portage Lake stocked?

Last stocked July 1, 2025. It is stocked about 1.1 times a year since 1991, most often in May and June. About 3,073 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 10 lakes in Houghton County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 19 years between 1991 and 2025.

How do you get on Portage Lake?

The nearest town is Chassell, MI. Facilities include restrooms, dock, and camping.

Which lakes near Portage Lake were stocked more recently?

Lake Perrault (11.4 mi) was stocked more recently.

Sources (5) +