How deep is Portage Lake?

Portage Lake reaches a maximum depth of 60 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 9 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.

Where is the deepest part of Portage Lake?

The deepest surveyed water on Portage Lake sits toward the western side of the lake, inside the 60 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.

How accurate is this Portage Lake depth map?

The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Michigan lake depth maps

Portage Lake depth map

Portage Lake in Manistee County, Michigan reaches a depth of 60 feet. The official Michigan survey maps 9 depth bands across 18 contour lines. This free map of Portage Lake shows every surveyed contour as an interactive depth chart you can use to plan a session before you travel.

Portage Lake depth chart: 9 depth bands to 60 ft

Data: Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours (public record), retrieved August 2026 · depths change over time · not for navigation

Portage Lake depth chart data
Depth contour	Share of mapped area inside it
6 ft	about 100%
12 ft	about 75%
18 ft	about 63%
24 ft	about 49%
30 ft	about 34%
40 ft	about 24%
50 ft	about 18%

Share of the surveyed surface area enclosed by each depth contour, computed from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours data.

How to fish Portage Lake: deep, two-story water

At 60 feet, this is a two-story fishery: warm-water species work the shallows and weed edges while the deep basin can hold cold-water fish below the summer thermocline. In summer, target the transition where the bottom breaks from the shallow shelf toward the basin; fish suspend along that edge at dawn and dusk. The 9 mapped depth bands make it straightforward to find those breaks before you launch.

Ice fishing on Portage Lake

On deep water like Portage Lake, the winter bite concentrates along the first major drop-off rather than the deepest basin. Use the contours above to find where the shallow shelf breaks toward deep water and set up on that edge; panfish and walleye slide up and down it through the day. Late ice often pushes fish shallower again. Always verify ice thickness locally before walking out, and remember deep lakes freeze later and less evenly than shallow ones.

Portage Lake depth map FAQs

How deep is Portage Lake?: Portage Lake reaches a maximum depth of 60 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 9 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.
Where is the deepest part of Portage Lake?: The deepest surveyed water on Portage Lake sits toward the western side of the lake, inside the 60 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.
How accurate is this Portage Lake depth map?: The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Depth maps for lakes near Portage Lake

Pine Lake depth map · 50 ft max · 16 mi away
Crystal Lake depth map · 175+ ft max · 21 mi away
Hodenpyl Dam Pond depth map · 70+ ft max · 22 mi away
Ford Lake depth map · 84 ft max · 22 mi away
Bass Lake depth map · 45 ft max · 23 mi away

Mapped fishing venues near Portage Lake

Portage Lake in the venue directory covers access and fishing details for this water.

Pine Lake · 16 mi away
Crystal Lake · 21 mi away
Hodenpyl Dam Pond · 22 mi away

Fishing in Michigan needs a state license: Michigan fishing license guide · all Michigan venues