Big Portage Lake

Aerial view of Big Portage Lake, a 586 acre lake in Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin

Big Portage Lake is a 600-acre lake near Land O’ Lakes with an average depth of 18 feet and approximately 20 feet of clarity. With about 16 owners per mile of shoreline, development remains relatively light for a lake of its size.

Access involves smaller roads and stretches that feel more remote, which helps preserve a quieter shoreline and limit casual traffic. The combination of clear water, wooded surroundings, and moderate density gives Big Portage a semi-remote character while still being within reasonable driving distance of town.

It appeals to buyers who want a larger lake experience with room for fishing, paddling, and cruising—without the atmosphere of a busy resort hub.

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Big Portage Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 18 Feet
Size: 586 Acres
Max Depth: 40 Feet
Shoreline: 6.80 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Blue Green
Trophic State: Oligotrophic
Time to Town: 9 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 5.43
Owners Per Mile: 15.88

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
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Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing:
Fish Species:
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: Average
Noise Level:
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Good
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Lake Grade: Elite
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Land O'Lakes
School District: Northland Pines
Tax Rate: $5.76 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Big Portage Lake contour map
Paddling Routes:
No nearby routes but Big Portage has a lot of shoreline to explore and the clear water makes it a great paddling lake.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Land O'Lakes Frosty Snowmobile Club trails run along the west side of the lake. The club grooms and maintains 45 miles of trails. Of course these trails connect with the trails of all the other clubs up in Northern WI, so you can get anywhere you want.
ATV Trails:
The Landover ATV Club Trails run just to the west of the lake. It is a vast network of ATV trails that connect Eagle River to Upper Michigan. There are a variety of riding options ranging from paved roads to trails through the national forests. By far the largest ATV trail network in Vilas County.
Land O'Lakes:
9 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Eagle River:
30 mins
Grocery Store
Hospital

This is a summary based on available information.

Available information suggests a typical Northwoods mix of panfish, bass, pike, and possibly walleye, with the quieter environment rewarding anglers willing to learn structure and seasonal movements. The modest development and light traffic often mean less fishing pressure than on marquee waters, so focusing on points, drop‑offs, and weedlines can be productive, especially during low‑light periods when fish move shallower to feed.

I had AI give me the coordinates for the launches I had on file. They are not super accurate, but should give a rough idea of where you can find the landings. If no coordinates were available at all I didn't link to the map.

Big Portage Lake public landing
View on Map
Public boat landing on the south shore of Big Portage Lake accessed by local roads. Typical Northwoods launch with limited parking; best for anglers and cabin owners comfortable with narrower approach roads.

How big is Big Portage Lake?

Big Portage Lake is 586 acres with 6.80 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Big Portage Lake?

Big Portage Lake has an average depth of 18 feet and a maximum depth of 40 feet.

Does Big Portage Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Big Portage Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Big Portage Lake from Land O'Lakes?

Big Portage Lake is 9 minutes from Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Big Portage Lake?

Big Portage Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Big Portage Lake?

Big Portage Lake has a water clarity of 20.0 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Big Portage Lake?

The shoreline of Big Portage Lake is about 6.80 miles.

What type of lake is Big Portage Lake?

Big Portage Lake is a Seepage lake.

What is the trophic status of Big Portage Lake?

Big Portage Lake is a Oligotrophic lake.

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