Cleary Lake vs Upper Prior Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Scott County, Minnesota, side by side.
Upper Prior Lake is the larger of the two at 386 acres against 145 for Cleary Lake. On our rankings, Upper Prior Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Cleary Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Upper Prior Lake comes out ahead for boating, Cleary Lake comes out ahead for camping, Cleary Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Upper Prior Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Cleary Lake | Upper Prior Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 55 / 100 | 54 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Prior Lake | Grainwood |
| Surface area | 145 acres | 386 acres |
| Max depth | 9 ft | 50 ft |
| Shoreline | 3.8 mi | 6.2 mi |
| Water clarity | 1.5 ft | 3.1 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 7 | 16 |
| Game fish | Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | Yes |
| Swim beach | Yes | No |
| Camping | Yes | No |
| Invasive species | None listed | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingUpper Prior Lake
- SwimmingCleary Lake
- BoatingUpper Prior Lake
- CampingCleary Lake
- PaddlingCleary Lake
- Ice FishingUpper Prior Lake
The lakes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Cleary Lake or Upper Prior Lake?
Upper Prior Lake is bigger at 386 acres; Cleary Lake covers 145 acres.
Which is deeper, Cleary Lake or Upper Prior Lake?
Upper Prior Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 50 feet against 9 feet.
Is Cleary Lake or Upper Prior Lake better for fishing?
Upper Prior Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Cleary Lake lists 7 species and Upper Prior Lake lists 16.