Grand Portage Lake

Iron County, Wisconsin

Grand Portage Lake is a clear drainage lake in the Town of Mercer in Iron County, about 5 miles from Mercer. It is known for walleye and largemouth bass, with some muskie and northern pike.

Air temp in Mercer, WI Loading current temperature…

Red pins match the numbered boat launches below. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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

Surface area148 acres

Max depth31 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Largemouth Bass●●●●○

Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.

Walleye●●●○○

Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.

Yellow Perch●●●○○

Schools on mud and sand flats. Great through the ice.

Bluegill●●●○○

Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.

Northern Pike●●○○○

Weed edges and bays. Spoons, spinnerbaits and tip-ups through the ice.

Muskellunge●●○○○

Some present

Boat launches

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

Grand Portage Lake ramp (Town of Mercer)Ramp
Single concrete lane, 1-5 trailer stalls, run by the Town of Mercer (715-476-2403). No restrooms.Directions ↗
Public swimming beachPublic
North shore town recreation areaDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the WDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
4Grand Portage Lake RampPublic
Wisconsin DNR public boat rampDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Grand Portage Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Wisconsin DNR ↗

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.

Turtle River Trading CompanyNearby
5227 N Hwy 51, Mercer, WI 54547715-476-0123 Directions ↗

Search more bait shops near Grand Portage Lake ↗

Local tips

The bottom is mostly sand, so look for gravel and wood for bass.
Fish the deeper water, up to about 31 feet, for walleye at dusk.
Banded mystery snails are present. Clean your gear.

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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.