Portage Lake
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Portage Lake Fishing Reports
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Reports from all past years within a 60-day time frame
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Soft Swimbaits (Sm/Md)
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Perch
Smallies are underappreciated on this great waterbody. Smimbaits are a great presentation for mixed bag success, fan casting submerged weeds in 7-10 ft of water. Finding concentrations of perch amongst the vast weed flats is key to connecting with the sporty smallmouths.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Ned Rigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Working a Ned rig around submerged vegetation and around drop offs will get you on a good bite. Slowly dragging or bouncing a Ned rig through the vegetation at 6-10 feet of water will land you some good bites.
Species
WalleyeSeason
Summer
Technique
Trolling 0-9'
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Late summer fishing is good to excellent for walleyes ranging from legal eater size to mid-20" heavyweights. Target windswept shorelines and target weed edges in 8'-12' of water, trolling up to 1.3 MPH. A variety of colors of blades on crawler harnesses will be effective. Besides good quality walleyes, expect bonus pike, smallies and an occasional jumbo perch. Also try some open water trolling with crankbaits in 20' to 40' for a trophy walleye.
Andrew Sherman
Bronze Ambassador
1/20/24
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Ice
Technique
Spoons
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Water Temperature
37°
Jigging a spoon with a minnow head for walleye, caught a few smallies
Species
Northern PikeSeason
Summer
Technique
Drop Shot
Structure
Docks
Water Temperature
73°
Dropshotting a flatworm for smallmouth along deep dock pilings on the portage canal. The most notable catch was a 30” northern
Species
WalleyeSeason
Summer
Technique
Live Bait Rigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Perch
We had success on quality walleyes trolling crawler harnesses with #4 and #5 blades in various shades of purple, green and chartreuse. Trolling at about 1.2 mph along the defined 10-12 ft weedline was the most consistent for walleyes from 14-22 inches but fish were schooled up by size. Best areas with bigger sized fish had good wind and wave action. Don't be surprised to tangle with a scrappy smallmouth or toothy critter. Fun way to get kids involved with fishing as well.
Chris Marzigliano
Bronze Ambassador
8/19/24
Species
Northern PikeSeason
Summer
Technique
Topwater Prop
Structure
River Channels
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
65°
Decent pike fishing the portage canal
Species
WalleyeSeason
Summer
Technique
Crankbaits 0-6'
Structure
Humps
Several factors are contributing to a tougher shallow water daytime bite than normal for this time of year. Pike in the 20" to 24" range are abundant along the weedline in 10' to 12' of water. Water temps have been mid-70's but dropping recently. Baitfish numbers are high so the walleyes have been sluggish. Some walleyes are suspended in open water so consider larger blades (#6) on harnesses with crawlers for a chance at a trophy class fish. Night time casting has been more effective (and fun!) of late with both shallow diving cranks and larger swimbaits working well. Look for windblown shoreline areas near deep water, casting into 8' of water or less. Work the cranks and swimmers slow and steady, thoroughly covering the area. Patience and persistence is the key to some quality fish.
