Portage (main bay)

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56014001

145 Surveys

269.08

Acres

49 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Portage (main bay). Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.10 lb	1
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.19 lb	2
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.08 lb	2
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	1
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.8 (normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.12 lb	23
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.09 lb	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	2.0	—	—	12
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.05 lb	2
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	17.8 (normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.13 lb	71
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	2.5 (below normal)	3.4 – 43.6	0.11 lb	15

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.68 lb	17
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	2.7 (normal)	1.3 – 9.8	0.98 lb	16
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	3.2 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.79 lb	19
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	3.9 (normal)	1.3 – 9.8	0.65 lb	35
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	1.14 lb	20
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	1.3 – 9.8	0.68 lb	16
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	1.07 lb	6
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.0 (below normal)	1.3 – 9.8	0.86 lb	7
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	11.3 (above normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.75 lb	68

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	3.5 (normal)	3.5 – 10.5	1.78 lb	14
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	1.00 lb	1
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	3.5 – 10.5	4.41 lb	1
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	3.5 – 10.5	5.47 lb	3
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	1.0 (below normal)	3.5 – 10.5	3.62 lb	4
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	2.50 lb	2
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	3.5 – 10.5	5.39 lb	1

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.28 lb	5
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.40 lb	2
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.53 lb	4
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 1.8	0.20 lb	5

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.40 lb	1
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	3.8	—	0.17 lb	23
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	1.0	—	0.47 lb	6
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	1.3	—	0.39 lb	12
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	1.2	—	—	7
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.38 lb	4
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.0	—	0.27 lb	6

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	12.0 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	0.87 lb	48
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.30 lb	3
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	14.0 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	0.95 lb	84
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	2.94 lb	5
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	16.8 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	1.06 lb	101
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	1.0	—	—	6
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	2.19 lb	3
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	16.3 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	1.31 lb	65
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.41 lb	11
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	12.5 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.0	0.72 lb	75

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	2.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.66 lb	10
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	2.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.07 lb	15
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	11.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.77 lb	71
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	3.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.46 lb	28
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	3.8	—	—	3
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	4.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.10 lb	26
2023-08-08	Backpack electrofishing	3.0	—	—	2
2023-08-08	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	—	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	1.5	—	—	9
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	2.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.09 lb	18
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	11.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.34 lb	45
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.11 lb	10
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.79 lb	18

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	2.3	—	0.16 lb	9
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	60.8 (above normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.08 lb	365
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	7.5	—	0.19 lb	45
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	32.9 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.08 lb	296
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	21.3	—	—	17
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	3.3	—	—	23
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.22 lb	20
2023-08-08	Backpack electrofishing	12.1	—	—	8
2023-08-08	15-ft beach seine	3.7	—	—	11
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	36.3	—	—	218
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	14.8 (normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.11 lb	133
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	5.0	—	0.09 lb	20
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	58.9 (above normal)	6.1 – 46.6	0.10 lb	412
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	3.8	—	0.17 lb	23

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	1.3	—	0.14 lb	5
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	8.2 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.17 lb	49
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	1.7	—	0.29 lb	10
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	2.2 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.23 lb	20
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.21 lb	2
2023-08-08	Backpack electrofishing	1.5	—	—	1
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	3.1 (normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.21 lb	28
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	2.5	—	0.13 lb	10
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	10.3 (above normal)	2.0 – 8.5	0.22 lb	72
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.3	—	0.28 lb	8

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard gill nets	2.5 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.31 lb	10
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.5 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.46 lb	15
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	13.8	—	—	11
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.7	—	—	5
2022-07-08	50-ft beach seine	37.5	—	—	75
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	2.84 lb	2
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	2.3 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	1.54 lb	9
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	2.07 lb	9
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	3.00 lb	18

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.30 lb	2
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.67 lb	5
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.44 lb	15
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.20 lb	2
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.52 lb	8
1984-08-13	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.40 lb	1
1984-08-13	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.4	0.40 lb	2
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.47 lb	8

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.1	0.88 lb	1
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.5	1.84 lb	1
2017-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	1.67 lb	10
2023-08-08	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.1	1.22 lb	2
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.5	1.37 lb	1

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.5	0.20 lb	1
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	1
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	—	2
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1
2023-08-08	Backpack electrofishing	3.0	—	—	2

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.38 lb	4
2022-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.9	2.84 lb	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	3.8	—	3
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.9	—	6
2022-07-08	50-ft beach seine	7.5	—	15
2023-08-08	Backpack electrofishing	1.5	—	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	2

Mimic Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	12.5	—	10
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	2
2022-07-08	50-ft beach seine	128.0	—	256
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	1.3	—	8

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	50-ft beach seine	68.5	—	137
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	117.9	—	94
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	5.9	—	41
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	38.8	—	233
2023-08-08	Backpack electrofishing	7.6	—	5
2023-08-08	15-ft beach seine	14.0	—	42

BCS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	50-ft beach seine	0.5	—	1
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	3.8	—	3
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	3.8	—	23

BKF

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	50-ft beach seine	18.5	—	37
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	2.7	—	16

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	1
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.7	—	5

BNS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	9.0	—	54

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-08	Backpack electrofishing	2.5	—	2
2023-08-08	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	1
2023-08-08	50-ft beach seine	0.8	—	5

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2004-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.8 – 7.7	1.46 lb	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Henning, MN

(218) 210-8874

★ 4.8

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 495-2811

★ 4.3

Aqua Marine & Storage

Dent, MN

(218) 457-2325

★ 4.9

Ark & Spark

Underwood, MN

(218) 864-5969

★ 4.6

Battle Lake Boat Works

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5567

★ 3.8

Delagoon Park

Fergus Falls, MN

★ 4.4

Resorts & Lodges Near Portage (main bay)

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Portage (main bay).

Legacy Lakeside Resort & Event Center

Fishing Resort Clitherall

(218) 321-3150

MN Tru North

Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 346-5253

Paul Lake Resort

Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 234-9001

Shoreside at Rush

Fishing Resort Ottertail

(218) 234-2319

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Portage (main bay). Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Brown Bullhead Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Smallmouth Bass Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Portage (main bay)

Gene's Sport Shop

Fishing Guide

(218) 346-3355

Lock Jaw Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 640-0158

Minnesota Experience

Fishing Guide

(218) 770-8032

North Country Bowfishing

Fishing Guide

Pit Properties LLC

Fishing Guide

(218) 205-5358

RED HOOKS FISHING ADVENTURES

Red Hooks Fishing Adventures

Fishing Guide

(218) 370-9006

View all 8 guides →

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Plan Your Trip to Portage (main bay)

Weather forecast for Portage (main bay) — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.4177°N, 95.5304°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Portage (main bay)

DNR Fish Surveys

Yellow Perch

Yellow Bullhead

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Hybrid Sunfish

Walleye

Largemouth Bass

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

White Sucker

Black Crappie

Brown Bullhead

Golden Shiner

Smallmouth Bass

Johnny Darter

Mimic Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

BCS

BKF

Spottail Shiner

BNS

Iowa Darter

Black Bullhead

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Ben's Bait Shop

Carr's Lake Country Super Market

Dunham's Sports

Elizabeth General Store

Flagman Products

JK-Outdoors

Lakeland General Store

Lakes Community Coop - Ottertail Oasis

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Aqua Marine & Storage

Ark & Spark

Battle Lake Boat Works

Delagoon Park

Resorts & Lodges Near Portage (main bay)

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Portage (main bay)

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

Alice

Anderson

Anna

Annie Battle

Bass

Plan Your Trip to Portage (main bay)