Fishing Portage County Lakes

Nestled in the rolling hills near Amherst lies Adams Lake. This lake is somewhat developed with homes and cabins spread out around its shorelines. On the east end of the lake, the clear water is shallow and weeds emerge from the lake bottom providing refuge for largemouth bass and panfish. However, the rest of the lake is deep and reaches a maximum depth of 51 feet. Trout roam the open water which chases schools of small baitfish. 

Boat landing: Small, with parking only along the road.
Shoreline fishing: Only near the boat landing. 

Collins Lake offers dark stained water that is not typical of lakes in eastern Portage County. Most of the shoreline is undeveloped with abundant aquatic vegetation providing habitat for northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish. Collins County Park exists on the northern shorelines, offering camping, bathroom facilities, a playground area, and a public swimming beach. 

Boat landing: Directly adjacent to campground entrance - features a cement landing and dock with parking for 4-5 trucks with trailers. 

Photo by @lemonknow

Lake Emily is one of Portage County's largest lakes providing a multitude of recreational activities besides fishing. Lake Emily County Park provides its visitors with camping, swimming, hiking, trails, picnic areas, a playground area, and of course, fishing. Fishermen can expect to find northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish. 

Boat landing: On the eastern tip of the lake, large enough for everything from pontoon boats to bass boats with ample parking. 
Shoreline fishing: Available on all of the eastern half of the lake.

Jordan Pond is a small man-made lake, which was made by damming the Plover River. It contains largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. The lake is located approximately two miles east of Stevens Point on Highway 66. 

Boat landing: Small, right by the entrance of the park. 
Shoreline fishing: Available everywhere. 

McDill Pond, an impoundment of the Plover River, is located within the Stevens Point city limits. This 250-acre moderately clear lake is especially popular with local residents. Common fish species are panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike. 

Boat landing: There are two boat launches, one at the northern tip and one at the southern. There are additionally handicapped accessible fishing docks on the southern end. 

​Photo by @tmassived

While Sunset Lake is a popular swimming beach, it is also a great fishing lake. The clear 63-acre lake is abundant in panfish but also houses largemouth bass and even trout.

Boat landing: Adjacent to the swimming beach, well-maintained, with parking available for 3-6 trucks with trailers. 
Shoreline fishing: Available at the county park - best way to fish though is by canoeing or in a small boat. 

The 42-acre Thomas Lake lies at the bottom of a glacial depression in the landscape just off Lake Thomas Road. Lily pads surround a good portion of the lake providing a summer home for largemouth bass and panfish. Rainbow trout also roam the open waters.

Boat landing: Located off of Lake Thomas Road, but it is steep and consists of gravel. Four wheel drive is recommended for large boats. Small boats and canoes would be good for two wheel drive. 
Shoreline fishing: Only near boat landing as the lake is surrounded by private property.