Big Portage Lake

Vilas, Wisconsin

Big Portage Lake is a 586-acre seepage lake in Vilas County near Land O' Lakes with a maximum depth of 40 feet. WDNR lists walleye and smallmouth bass as common, with largemouth bass and panfish also present.

Air temp in Land O Lakes, WI Not available right now.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Big Portage Lake (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area586 acres

Max depth40 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local ordinances

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Walleye●●●○○

Listed as common by WDNR

Smallmouth Bass●●●○○

Listed as common by WDNR

Largemouth Bass●●○○○

Listed as present by WDNR

Bluegill●●○○○

Panfish listed as present

Crappie●●○○○

Panfish listed as present

Boat launches

2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Big Portage Lake public accessPublic
WDNR lists 1 public landingDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the WDNR lake page for all landingsDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.

Species	Min size	Daily limit
Walleye Walleye, sauger and hybrids from 14 in to 18 in may not be kept; only 1 over 18 in; May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027	See Wisconsin rules book ↗	3 / day
Largemouth Bass May 2 - Jun 19, 2026 (smallmouth catch and release only)	18 in	1 / day
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Jun 20, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027	18 in	1 / day
Northern Pike May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027	See Wisconsin rules book ↗	5 / day
Muskellunge May 2 - Dec 31, 2026; open water only	40 in	1 / day
Panfish Open all year	See Wisconsin rules book ↗	25 / day
Catfish Open all year	See Wisconsin rules book ↗	10 / day

Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Wisconsin DNR ↗

Verified October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Wisconsin DNR before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.

Ronda's Bait & TackleNearby
Land O' Lakes, WI(715) 547-6390 Directions ↗
Tackle BoxNearby
4267 Hwy B, Land O' Lakes, WI 54540(715) 547-3434 Directions ↗
Up North Traders Bait, Tackle & Pellet StovesNearby
Land O' Lakes, WI(715) 542-2788 Directions ↗

Search more bait shops near Big Portage Lake ↗

Local tips

Clear sand and rock lake: target points and drop-offs for walleye and smallmouth
Use lighter line in clear water
Check WDNR regulations before keeping fish

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.