Lower Prior Lake vs Cleary Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Scott County, Minnesota, side by side.
Lower Prior Lake is the larger of the two at 956 acres against 145 for Cleary Lake. On our rankings, Lower Prior Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Lower Prior Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Lower Prior Lake comes out ahead for boating, Cleary Lake comes out ahead for camping, Lower Prior Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Lower Prior Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Lower Prior Lake | Cleary Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 73 / 100 | 55 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Grainwood | Prior Lake |
| Surface area | 956 acres | 145 acres |
| Max depth | 60 ft | 9 ft |
| Shoreline | 14.7 mi | 3.8 mi |
| Water clarity | 12.3 ft | 1.5 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 15 | 7 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie | Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | Yes | No |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | No | Yes |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel | None listed |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingLower Prior Lake
- SwimmingLower Prior Lake
- BoatingLower Prior Lake
- CampingCleary Lake
- PaddlingLower Prior Lake
- Ice FishingLower Prior Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Lower Prior Lake or Cleary Lake?
Lower Prior Lake is bigger at 956 acres; Cleary Lake covers 145 acres.
Which is deeper, Lower Prior Lake or Cleary Lake?
Lower Prior Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 60 feet against 9 feet.
Is Lower Prior Lake or Cleary Lake better for fishing?
Lower Prior Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Lower Prior Lake lists 15 species and Cleary Lake lists 7.