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Portage Lake homes (Livingston side)Portage Lake homes (Washtenaw side)Putnam Township waterfront homes

Welcome to Portage Lake

Portage Lake is the biggest lake on the Huron River Chain of Lakes (HRCOLA lake data), shared by Livingston and Washtenaw counties. It's about 2.7 miles southeast of the Village of Pinckney in a straight line (USGS GNIS place data) and about 27.4 miles from downtown Fenton. In November 2026, my site had two Livingston-side and three Washtenaw-side homes for sale, plus one pending. (The Washtenaw button can also show a Little Portage home.)

Lake Overview

• Location: Putnam Township, Livingston County, and Dexter Township, Washtenaw County (DNR Livingston County rules; DNR Washtenaw County rules).
• Size: about 641 acres (DNR lake list via MLSA), 645 (EGLE mapping), 644 (HRCOLA lake data) or 657 (Washtenaw County 2024 lake report).
• Depth: HRCOLA lists an 84-foot maximum; the county report lists 81 feet.
• Boating: HRCOLA says Portage can handle wake boats (HRCOLA boating page). Mud Bay (DNR Livingston County rules) and the Huron River canals (DNR Washtenaw County rules) are slow-no wake.
• Public access: the chain's only public launch, a DNR site off MacGregor Road with 21 spaces; Recreation Passport required (HRCOLA).
• Shoreline: Microsoft building map data shows about 818 buildings near the shore.

Living on Portage Lake

Portage is the big-water hub of the chain: ski on the main lake, then idle through channels to Little Portage, Base Line, Whitewood and on up to Strawberry and Zukey (Wikipedia).

Putnam Township & Schools

Livingston-side listings (Putnam Township) show Pinckney Community Schools; Washtenaw-side listings (Dexter Township) show Dexter Community Schools. I confirm the district for every address.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Putnam Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• Washtenaw County runs a weed control special assessment district for Little Portage, Portage, Base Line, Tamarack and Whitewood (Washtenaw County 2024 lake report; HRCOLA). I'll confirm the parcel's amount in writing.
• The Flook Dam sets Portage and Base Line levels. Its repairs are billed through a lake level special assessment over 8 years, starting with the 2025 winter tax bill (county Flook Dam FAQ; Livingston County memo).
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• For canal lots, ask about canal depth and upkeep.
• Ask how the winter drawdown affects the dock; EGLE has been reviewing its timing (county Flook Dam FAQ).

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with all-sports boating and full chain access.
• Say "Portage Lake, Pinckney" plus your township in your listing.
• Have frontage, dock and seawall permits, and assessment info ready.

FAQ

What county is Portage Lake in?

Both: Livingston County (Putnam Township) and Washtenaw County (Dexter Township).

Is there a public launch on Portage Lake?

Yes, the DNR launch off MacGregor Road.

How big is Portage Lake?

About 641 to 657 acres, the largest on the chain.

Let's Talk Lake Life

Want the biggest water on the chain? I'd love to help you find a home on Portage Lake. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.