Spring Lake
About Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a 592-acre lake near Prior Lake in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.5 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 12 Scott County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 March 31, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Spring Lake
- 592 acres, up to 37 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, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- 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
- 592 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 290 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
- 15
- 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
- March 31
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- March 17, 2012
- Latest
- April 10, 2011
- Most recent
- March 21, 2017
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Spring Lake
Compare Spring Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Spring Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Spring Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Spring Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Spring Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Upper Prior Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood386 acres
1.5 miles away
Fish Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake176 acres
3.4 miles away
O'Dowd Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee301 acres
3.6 miles away
Lower Prior Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood956 acres
3.8 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
4 miles away
Thole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee119 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spring Lake?
Spring Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Prior Lake. It covers 592 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Spring Lake?
Spring Lake covers 592 acres with about 4.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Spring Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 Spring Lake?
Yes. Spring Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Spring Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Spring 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 Spring Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Spring Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Spring Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 31, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2012 and the latest is April 10, 2011.
Does Spring Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Spring 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.