Cedar Lake
About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 793-acre lake near New Prague in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.1 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 12 Scott County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 31, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Lake
- 793 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near New Prague
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 1.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 793 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 793 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping (1 mapped)
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 31
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- April 10, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Cedar Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cedar Lake
Compare Cedar Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Cedar Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Cedar Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Cedar Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Cedar Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Cedar Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pleasant Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Jordan (Scott)289 acres
2.4 miles away
Cynthia Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior196 acres
3.7 miles away
Fish Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake176 acres
5.3 miles away
McMahon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Credit River187 acres
6.2 miles away
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
8 miles away
Lake Pepin
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Montgomery403 acres
8.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near New Prague. It covers 793 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake covers 793 acres with about 7.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cedar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Cedar Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cedar Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Cedar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cedar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Cedar Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 31, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Can you camp at Cedar Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Cedar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cedar Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.