Today on Big Portage
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Big Portage is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.2
SmallmouthCommon6.6
BluegillPanfish, present4.1
PerchPanfish, present4.1
CrappiePanfish, present4.1
LargemouthPresent4.1How we rate
Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.
Depth map
Wisconsin DNRTap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| Walleye | No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | 18" min · 1 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
1 public- AccessDirections
Before you go
DNRThis is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.
Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch
Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes
Up to 1 meal a month Muskies
Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsBanded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Big Portage
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Big Portage
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
Big Portage board
Catches & reportsLakes near Big Portage
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Portage LakeVilas | 1.3 | 170 | 11 ft |
| Kenu LakeVilas | 1.9 | 73 | 13 ft |
| Deer LakeVilas | 2.4 | 65 | 24 ft |
| Moccasin LakeVilas | 2.5 | 83 | 26 ft |
| Landing LakeVilas | 2.7 | 220 | 11 ft |
| Heart LakeVilas | 2.7 | 59 | 15 ft |
| Black Oak LakeVilas | 3 | 584 | 85 ft |
| Little Bateau LakeVilas | 3 | 63 | 20 ft |
Big Portage questions
How deep is Big Portage Lake?
Big Portage Lake is 40 feet at its deepest, and 18 feet deep on average. It covers 586 acres.
What fish are in Big Portage Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists smallmouth bass (common), walleye (common), panfish (present) and largemouth bass (present).
Where is the boat launch on Big Portage Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Big Portage Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Big Portage Lake?
No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Fish it longer
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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.