What Portage Point Offers

Portage Point is a shallow, weedy lake in Onekama's backyard—about 15 minutes from the village—that holds walleye, pike, and panfish in water that rarely exceeds 20 feet. The lake's character is defined by its vegetation: dense weed beds in summer, muck and sand bottom, and the kind of structure that makes pike hunting easy and walleye predictable. If you're coming from Portage Lake proper (the bigger water nearby), Portage Point feels like a different fishery altogether—tighter, shallower, more intimate.

The point itself—the shallow ridge that gives the lake its name—runs along the eastern shore and is the most productive zone. Walleye suspend along the weed edge at dawn and dusk, and pike patrol the same corridors looking for panfish. Summer fishing here is about timing: early morning before the sun climbs, late evening after it drops, and overcast days when the light stays soft. Winter ice fishing is steady for walleye, though the weed growth can make hole-drilling tedious.

Access is straightforward. There's a public launch on the north end of the lake, and the ramp is maintained but modest—two lanes, gravel, adequate for small to mid-size boats. Parking is limited but rarely full except on summer weekends. The lake itself is small enough that you can fish the whole thing in a day, which makes it ideal if you have limited time or want to learn a lake thoroughly.

Key Takeaways

  • Portage Point is a shallow, weedy lake where walleye and pike respond to structure along the weed edge, especially the point on the eastern shore.
  • Summer fishing is most productive at dawn, dusk, and on overcast days when light penetration is low and fish move shallow.
  • The public launch is on the north end and accommodates small to mid-size boats, with limited but usually available parking.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye is reliable, though dense weeds can make drilling difficult in some areas.
  • Pike are abundant and aggressive, making this a good lake if you want to target them alongside walleye.

Summer Walleye: The Point and the Weed Edge

Walleye on Portage Point follow a simple pattern in summer: they relate to the weed edge and the transition zone where shallow water drops off slightly. The point itself—that shallow ridge running along the east side—is the most reliable spot. Fish it with live bait (shiners or crawlers) on a slip sinker rig, keeping your bait just off the bottom or suspended in the water column above the weeds. Casting jigs tipped with minnows works too, especially if you're working the edge actively rather than soaking bait.

Timing matters more than technique here. Walleye bite hardest in the hour or two after sunrise and again in the last hour before dark. Midday fishing is slow unless the sky is heavy with clouds. If you're on the water at noon on a clear day, move to deeper water (12 to 18 feet) where walleye retreat from the light, or switch to pike and panfish until evening.

The weed beds themselves are thick enough that you'll lose rigs—accept that as part of fishing here. Use a weedless jig or a slip sinker rig that can slide through vegetation without snagging. If you're new to weed fishing, bring extra tackle and plan to retie often.

Pike: Aggressive and Abundant

Pike on Portage Point are not shy, and they're not small. This lake holds pike in the 24- to 32-inch range regularly, with occasional fish pushing 36 inches or better. They hunt the same weed edges as walleye but are far more aggressive and less time-sensitive—you can catch pike at midday when walleye have shut down.

Fish for pike with larger lures: spinnerbaits (3/8 to 1/2 ounce), crankbaits that dive into the weed edge, or soft plastics rigged on 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs. Cast parallel to the weed line and work the lure with steady retrieves or twitches. Pike will often follow a lure and hit it near the boat, so keep your rod tip ready and don't reel all the way to the gunwale before lifting.

Use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader—pike teeth are sharp and will cut monofilament. A 12- to 20-pound leader is standard. If you're targeting pike specifically, bring a net; they thrash hard and a net prevents lost fish and makes catch-and-release cleaner.

Winter Ice Fishing for Walleye

Ice forms on Portage Point by mid-December most years, and the lake stays fishable through February. Walleye bite steadily through the winter, though the bite window is shorter than in summer—typically a few hours in early morning and again in late afternoon. Midday fishing is slow.

Set up on the point or along the weed edge in 8 to 14 feet of water. Use a jigging spoon (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with a minnow head, or a small live minnow on a jigging rig. Drop to the bottom, then lift and drop in a steady rhythm. Walleye will often hit on the drop, so stay alert and keep your line tight.

The dense weeds can make drilling difficult—you may hit vegetation on the way down and have to move your hole. Bring a hand auger and be prepared to drill multiple holes if your first attempt hits weeds. The effort is worth it: winter walleye on Portage Point are consistent and willing.

Panfish and Summer Evenings

Bluegill and crappie are abundant on Portage Point, especially around the weed beds and in slightly deeper pockets (10 to 14 feet). They're not the main draw, but they're reliable if walleye and pike aren't cooperating or if you want to fish with kids or beginners. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with waxworms or small minnows work well, as do tiny spinners and inline spinnerbaits.

Summer evenings are ideal for panfish. As the sun drops and the water cools, panfish move shallower and bite more aggressively. You can catch 20 or 30 bluegill in an hour if you find the right weed pocket. It's not trophy fishing, but it's fun and productive.

Tackle and Gear for Portage Point

Bring a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) spooled with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line. Braid cuts through weeds better than mono, but mono is easier to handle if you're new to weed fishing. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod is useful if you're targeting pike specifically, as it gives you better hook-set power in thick cover.

Pack slip sinker rigs, jigs in 1/8- to 3/8-ounce weights, spinnerbaits, and a selection of live bait (shiners, crawlers, minnows). Bring a net, needle-nose pliers, and extra line. The weeds will cost you tackle, so budget for it. A depth finder is helpful but not essential—the lake is small enough that you can learn it by casting and feeling the bottom.

If you're fishing in winter, bring an ice auger, a jigging rod (shorter, 24 to 32 inches), and a small tackle box with jigging spoons and minnows. A portable shelter is nice but not required—Portage Point is protected enough that you can fish without one if the wind is calm.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is a transition period. Walleye move shallow as the water warms, and pike are aggressive as they recover from winter. Expect inconsistent fishing early in the season, then steady improvement as May progresses.

Summer (June through August) is peak season. Walleye bite hard at dawn and dusk, pike are active all day, and panfish are abundant. The downside is that the lake gets crowded on weekends, and the weed growth can be thick enough to slow fishing.

Fall (September through October) is excellent. Water temperature drops, walleye move shallower and bite longer into the day, and pike are aggressive as they feed before winter. The lake is less crowded than in summer, and the weather is usually pleasant.

Winter (November through February) is steady but requires patience. Walleye bite in short windows, and you'll spend time drilling holes and moving around. It's worth it if you enjoy ice fishing and don't mind the cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Portage Point with a kayak or canoe?

Yes. The lake is small and shallow, making it ideal for paddling. Launch from the public ramp on the north end. Stay aware of boat traffic on weekends, and avoid the densest weed beds if you're in a kayak—getting tangled in vegetation is frustrating in a small craft.

What's the best bait for walleye on Portage Point?

Live shiners and crawlers are most reliable. Shiners work best at dawn and dusk when walleye are active; crawlers produce throughout the day. Minnow heads on jigging rigs are excellent in winter. Experiment with what's available at local bait shops in Onekama.

Are there size limits or special regulations on Portage Point?

Portage Point follows Michigan's standard inland lake regulations. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit; pike have a 24-inch minimum and a daily limit. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Is the launch crowded on weekends?

The parking lot is small and can fill on summer Saturday and Sunday mornings. Arrive early (before 7 a.m.) if you want a may provide spot, or fish on weekdays if possible. The ramp itself rarely has a wait, even when parking is full.

What's the water clarity like?

Portage Point is moderately stained to slightly turbid, depending on recent rain and weed growth. Visibility is usually 2 to 4 feet. This actually helps walleye fishing—they're more aggressive in stained water—but it means you need to fish closer to structure and use more active retrieves to attract fish.