Cleary Lake
About Cleary Lake
Cleary Lake is a 145-acre lake near Prior Lake in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 5 feet, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Cleary Lake Regional Park and Basswood sites 1-11 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 4, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cleary Lake
- 145 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Prior Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 1.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Basswood sites 1-11
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 145 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Average depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 149 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Cleary Lake Regional Park, Basswood sites 1-11, and Basswood sites 12-14
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 7
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 4
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 14, 2016
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- April 29, 2018
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Cleary Lake Regional Park, Basswood sites 1-11, Basswood sites 12-14, and White Pine sites 1-6 are mapped on or near Cleary 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 Cleary Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lower Prior Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood956 acres
2.9 miles away
Upper Prior Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood386 acres
3.2 miles away
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
4 miles away
Orchard Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville238 acres
4.1 miles away
McMahon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Credit River187 acres
4.1 miles away
Fish Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake176 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cleary Lake?
Cleary Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Prior Lake. It covers 145 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cleary Lake?
Cleary Lake covers 145 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet and its average depth is about 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cleary Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cleary Lake?
Yes. Cleary Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cleary 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 Cleary Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cleary Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Cleary Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2016 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Can you camp at Cleary Lake?
Yes. Cleary Lake Regional Park, Basswood sites 1-11, and Basswood sites 12-14 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.