Portage Lake fishing

Fishing at Portage Lake has Tiger Muskie, Channel Catfish, and Walleye on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.4 times a year since 1980, most often in June and August. Species guides list dusk and night for Channel Catfish and dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye.

Last stocked

July 8, 2026

Plants on record

17

Since 1980

Species recorded

3

Surface acres

645.6

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How Portage Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the fourth week of June. In 2026 it was July 8, 2026, later than usual.

No plants recorded in 35 years between 1980 and 2026.

About 676 reported fish per acre, 2nd most of 5 lakes in Washtenaw County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Fish at Portage Lake

Fishing Portage Lake is most likely to be for Walleye. Walleye accounts for 12 of 17 plants on record, ahead of Tiger Muskie and one more.

Walleye 12 plants
Plants
12 of 17
Last stocked
July 8, 2026

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Tiger Muskie 4 plants
Plants
4 of 17
Last stocked
October 14, 1986

Seasons and rigs are on the Tiger Muskie guide.

Channel Catfish 1 plant
Plants
1 of 17
Last stocked
September 29, 2004

Seasons and rigs are on the Channel Catfish guide.

Fish stocked per year

  • 1,3001980
  • 2,5001982
  • 1,8201984
  • 1,3001986
  • 3,0202004
  • 81,7322011
  • 65,8482013
  • 68,2252015
  • 80,5162017
  • 47,6852021
  • 39,4972024
  • 42,8572026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 17 plants Showing 17 plants

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
July 8, 2026 Walleye 42,857 – report
June 13, 2024 Walleye 18,584 – report
June 13, 2024 Walleye 20,913 – report
June 22, 2021 Walleye 47,685 – report
June 28, 2017 Walleye 58,180 – report
June 21, 2017 Walleye 6,083 – report
June 21, 2017 Walleye 16,253 – report
June 10, 2015 Walleye 22,961 – report
June 10, 2015 Walleye 45,264 – report
June 4, 2013 Walleye 12,560 – report
June 4, 2013 Walleye 53,288 – report
June 21, 2011 Walleye 81,732 – report
September 29, 2004 Channel Catfish 3,020 – report
October 14, 1986 Tiger Muskie 1,300 – report
August 27, 1984 Tiger Muskie 1,820 – report
August 5, 1982 Tiger Muskie 2,500 – report
August 13, 1980 Tiger Muskie 1,300 – report
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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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