Fishing Portage Lake

Washtenaw County, Michigan · 680 acres · 84 ft max depth

⚠️ Fish Consumption Advisory

PFAS fish consumption advisory active

View current advisories →

Fish Species

Largemouth BassSmallmouth BassWalleyeNorthern PikeCrappieBluegill

DNR Fish Stocking

Walleye: 87,182 total
DateSpeciesStrainNumberAvg Length
6/13/2024 Walleye Muskegon 18,584 1.48"
6/13/2024 Walleye Muskegon 20,913 1.33"
6/22/2021 Walleye Muskegon 47,685 1.57"

Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database

Ice Fishing

Big Portage Lake does not freeze reliably — ice conditions are unpredictable and deep springs create thin spots. Little Portage, Base Line, Strawberry, and Zukey lakes all freeze more consistently. When Big Portage does freeze, walleye and crappie spots produce well. Winter access to the chain is from private property only — the DNR launch is gated and closed.

Bait & Tackle

Nearest bait shop in Pinckney — no on-lake bait

Fishing Tournaments & Competitions

Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Portage Lake.

🏆 MI Tournament SearchDNR Fishing Tournament Information System 🎣 Tournament CalendarAmerican Fishing Contests — Portage Lake

Michigan Fishing Resources

🐟 Master Angler ProgramTrophy catch records & map — apply for your patch 📋 Michigan Fishing Regulations2025–2026 season dates, size & possession limits 📍 DNR Where to FishSpecies-specific locations & family fishing waters ⚠️ Eat Safe Fish GuidePFAS & contaminant advisories for Michigan waters

Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Portage Lake Guide

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