Lower Prior Lake
About Lower Prior Lake
Lower Prior Lake is a 956-acre lake near Grainwood in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.7 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Scott County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Sand Point Beach and Watzl's Point Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 4, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lower Prior Lake
- 956 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Grainwood
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 12.3 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Sand Point Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 956 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 373 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: Sand Point Beach and Watzl's Point Beach
- Marina
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
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
- 19
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- March 25, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lower Prior Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Upper Prior Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood386 acres
2.3 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
2.9 miles away
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
3.8 miles away
O'Dowd Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee301 acres
5.3 miles away
Orchard Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville238 acres
5.4 miles away
Thole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee119 acres
6.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Prior Lake?
Lower Prior Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Grainwood. It covers 956 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lower Prior Lake?
Lower Prior Lake covers 956 acres with about 14.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lower Prior Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lower Prior Lake?
Yes. Lower Prior Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lower Prior Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Sand Point Beach and Watzl's Point Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lower Prior Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lower Prior Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lower Prior Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Lower Prior Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does Lower Prior Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lower Prior Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.