Upper Prior Lake

How big is Upper Prior Lake?

How deep is Upper Prior Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Upper Prior Lake?

What are the closest cities to Upper Prior Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Upper Prior Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Upper Prior Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Upper Prior Lake

Are there boat launches on Upper Prior Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Upper Prior Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Upper Prior Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Upper Prior Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Upper Prior Lake?

Upper Prior Lake is a productive 386-acre, Class 41 lake located in the City of Prior Lake in Scott County. Maximum depth is 50 ft and the littoral zone (<15ft) covers 85% of the lake. Upper Prior is connected via a navigable channel to Lower Prior Lake, which is north and downstream of Upper Prior Lake; these two basins are often referred to in aggregate as Prior Lake. Upper Prior Lake is highly developed and is primarily managed for Walleye and Largemouth Bass. A Standard Survey was conducted during 2015 to assess the gamefish community. Standard Surveys have been completed every other year since 1996.

In 2015, Walleye abundance in gill nets was low. The catch rate of 2.5 fish per net was below the 25th percentile for this Lake Class. From 1996 to 2012, relative abundance ranged from 0.83 to 12.5 fish per net. The 2.5 fish per net sampled in 2015 was below the 19 year average of 4.9 fish per net, and a slight decrease from the previous survey's catch, of 2.8 fish per net, in 2012. The size structure of Walleye from both gill nets (n = 10) and trap nets (n = 4) was skewed toward larger fish. Walleye from both gears averaged 17.3 inches and 1.85 lbs, with the largest measuring 23.4 inches and 3.60 lbs. Ages ranged from 2 to 14, with 69% of fish originating from the 2011 year class. All Walleye ages corresponded to stocked years, indicating a low probability of natural reproduction. Growth was consistently faster than the statewide average. Walleye averaged 17.1 inches by age 4, and 19.8 inches by age 6. Walleye continue to be stocked in odd-numbered years.

In June of 2015, nighttime boat electrofishing was conducted to assess Prior Lake's Largemouth Bass population. In 1.88 hours of electrofishing, 164 Largemouth Bass were collected at a rate of 87.0 fish per hour. Average length and weight was 8.6 inches and 0.34 pounds, with the largest fish measuring 15.8 inches and 1.96 pounds. Five percent of the sampled population was 12 inches or longer.

Black Crappie abundance was high (17.8 fish per gill net, above 75th percentile) compared to other Class 41 lakes. The fish tended to be small; the average size was 5.3 inches and 0.10 pounds. Six percent of the fish exceeded 8 inches, and the largest fish was 10.4 inches and 0.67 pounds.

Bluegill abundance, as measured with trap nets, has varied over time. From 1996 to 2012, relative abundance ranged from 29.9 to 157.2 fish per net. The 12.0 fish per net sampled in 2015 was the lowest value since 1987, but is still considered above average (between the median and 75th percentile) compared to other Class 41 lakes. Mean length and weight in trap nets was 6.2 inches and 0.21 lbs, with the largest trap-netted Bluegill measuring 8.9 inches. Size structure reflects a balanced population. Thirty-six percent of the fish exceeded 7 inches.

Yellow Perch were sampled at a rate of 3.5/gill net. Yellow perch from both trap nets (n = 2) and gill nets (n = 14) averaged 8.5 inches and 0.29 lbs, with the largest fish measuring 10.7 inches and 0.54 pounds.

Northern Pike have historically been low in abundance. The catch rate in 2015, 3.5 fish per gill net (the median for this Lake Class), is a noticeable increase from the 2012 catch rate of 0.25 fish per gill net. The size structure is skewed toward large fish; average size was 26.0 inches and 4.23 pounds and the largest fish was 33.1 inches and 8.1 pounds. Eighty-six percent of the fish exceeded 21 inches, and 43% exceeded 28 inches.

Other fishes sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, hybrid sunfish, White Bass, White Crappie, and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Upper Prior Lake?