Porter Reservoir

Porter Reservoir is a 19-acre impoundment along a tributary of the Yellow Medicine River located 1.5 miles south of the town of Porter. It was constructed in 1974 by the Yellow Medicine River Watershed District as a flood control reservoir. A substantial portion of the shoreline is owned by the Watershed District and is publicly accessible. A small unimproved boat ramp is located on the west shore. Gamefish were stocked when the reservoir was constructed and most species have developed self-sustaining populations. Adult walleyes are stocked to provide additional angling opportunities and to help control a stunted panfish population. This 2024 targeted survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data using standard and small-mesh trap nets. These data can be compared to historical standard and targeted survey data from Porter Reservoir. Moderate numbers of bluegills and lower numbers of black crappies, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch and walleyes were present. Game fish grow relatively slow in Porter Lake, and many of them are smaller than desirable. However, some quality-sized black crappie, largemouth bass, and northern pike can be found. Hundreds of adult walleyes have been stocked in recent years and fish up to 22 inches were sampled in the 2024 survey. Curly-leaf pondweed, a non-native aquatic plant, was discovered in Porter Reservoir in 2003. This plant covers much of the lake in spring and early summer. Anglers are reminded to thoroughly clean their boat and trailer prior to leaving the lake to ensure that plant fragments are not transported to other water bodies.

Porter Reservoir is a 19-acre impoundment along a tributary of the Yellow Medicine River located 1.5 miles south of the town of Porter. It was constructed in 1974 by the Yellow Medicine River Watershed District as a flood control reservoir. A substantial portion of the shoreline is owned by the Watershed District and publicly accessible, however cattails along much of the shoreline restrict shore angling. Bluegills, Black Crappies, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch were stocked when the reservoir was constructed and they have developed self-sustaining populations. Adult Walleyes are stocked when available to provide additional angling opportunities and predation on a stunted panfish population. This 2021 targeted survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data using standard trap nets, quarter-inch trap nets and daytime electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass. These data can be compared to historical standard and targeted survey data from Porter Reservoir. Moderate numbers of Bluegills and lower numbers of Black Crappies, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch and Walleyes were present. Game fish grow relatively slow in Porter Lake, and many of them are smaller than desirable. However, some decent sized Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike are typically present. Hundreds of adult Walleyes have been stocked in recent years and fish up to 23 inches were sampled in the 2021 survey. Beginning May 2018, new regulations for Northern Pike are in effect. Porter Reservoir is in the Southern management zone meaning anglers/spearers are allowed to possess 2 pike with a minimum size of 24 inches. See the regulations booklet for more details. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native aquatic plant, was discovered in Porter Reservoir in 2003. This plant covers much of the lake in spring and early summer. Anglers are reminded to thoroughly clean their boat and trailer prior to leaving the lake to ensure that plant fragments are not transported to other water bodies.

Porter Lake is a 19-acre impoundment along a tributary of the Yellow Medicine River located 1.5 miles south of Porter. It was constructed in 1974 by the Yellow Medicine River Watershed District as a flood control reservoir. A substantial portion of the shoreline is owned by the Watershed District and publicly accessible, however cattails severely restrict shore angling. Bluegills, Black Crappies, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch were stocked when the reservoir was constructed and they have developed self-sustaining populations. Adult Walleyes will be stocked when available to provide additional angling opportunities and predation on a stunted panfish population. This targeted survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data using trap nets and daytime electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass. These data can be compared to historical standard and targeted survey data from Porter Lake. Moderate numbers of Bluegills, and lower numbers of Black Crappies, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch were present. Game fish grow relatively slow in Porter Lake, and many of them are smaller than desirable. However, some decent sized Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike typically have been present. Curly-leaf pondweed, a non-native aquatic plant, was discovered in Porter Lake in 2003. Anglers are reminded to thoroughly clean their boat and trailer prior to leaving the lake to ensure that plant fragments are not transported to other water bodies.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Hybrid Sunfish in Porter Reservoir. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Porter Reservoir. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Porter Reservoir has a maximum depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Porter Reservoir is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Porter Reservoir in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.