Fish Lake
About Fish Lake
Fish Lake is a 176-acre lake near Prior Lake in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 3, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fish Lake
- 176 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Prior Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 176 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 74 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 3
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 17, 2012
- Latest
- April 28, 2013
- Most recent
- March 28, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fish Lake
Compare Fish Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Fish Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Fish Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Cynthia Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior196 acres
1.6 miles away
McMahon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Credit River187 acres
2.6 miles away
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
3.4 miles away
Upper Prior Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood386 acres
4.3 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
4.4 miles away
Cedar Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · New Prague793 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Prior Lake. It covers 176 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake covers 176 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fish Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Fish Lake?
Yes. Fish Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fish Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fish Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Fish Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Fish Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Fish Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2012 and the latest is April 28, 2013.