Upper Prior Lake
About Upper Prior Lake
Upper Prior Lake is a 386-acre lake near Grainwood in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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. 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 5, based on 86 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Prior Lake
- 386 acres, up to 50 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 3.1 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
- 386 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 329 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)
- Marina: Knotty Oar Marina and Charlie's on Prior Marina
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
- 16
- 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 5
- Years of record
- 86
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2013
- Most recent
- March 29, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Upper Prior Lake
Compare Upper Prior Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Upper Prior Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Upper Prior Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Upper Prior Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Upper Prior Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
1.5 miles away
Lower Prior Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood956 acres
2.3 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
3.2 miles away
O'Dowd Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee301 acres
3.9 miles away
Fish Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake176 acres
4.3 miles away
Thole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee119 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Prior Lake?
Upper Prior Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Grainwood. It covers 386 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Prior Lake?
Upper Prior Lake covers 386 acres with about 6.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper 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 Upper Prior Lake?
Yes. Upper 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 Upper Prior Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Prior 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 Upper Prior Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper Prior Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper Prior Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Upper Prior Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 5, from 86 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2013.
Does Upper Prior Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper 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.