Lower Prior

Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff conducted an assessment of lakeshore habitat on Lower Prior Lake on September 9th 2025, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The assessment consisted of 119 survey sites evenly spaced 200 meters around the lake. Assessments were made in three habitat zones: Shoreline Zone (the shore-water interface to the top of the natural bank), Shoreland Zone (land-ward from shoreline to development structure or 100 feet), and Aquatic Zone (lake-ward 50 feet of shoreline). The average lakewide habitat score was 43.9 (+/- 2.3) out of 100 possible. A score of 43.9 indicates the lakewide shoreline condition is Very Poor (<50). Approximately 89 percent of the sites were developed with a mean score of 37.7 (+/- 1.8) indicating shoreline habitat quality of developed sites is Very Poor (<50), while undeveloped sites had a mean score of 94.9 (+/- 2.3) with Excellent (92+) habitat quality.

Lower Prior is a 956-acre (373 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 60 feet. Lower Prior Lake is located west of the City of Prior Lake, in northern Scott County. Lower Prior is primarily managed for Walleye (fingerling stocked in odd numbered years), but includes catchable populations of Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike. White Bass are also present in low numbers for anglers seeking that species. Public water access is provided by DNR Parks and Trails on the north side of the lake off County Road 42 and Crest Avenue (up to 40 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). A Standard Survey (12 trap nets/8 gill nets) was conducted on Lower Prior Lake during the week of 7/17/2024 to monitor water quality and fish populations. Water color was clear, with good water clarity, measured at 15 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell to zero parts per million (ppm) below 24 feet, meaning fish would be unable to use water depths greater than 12 feet during mid-summer. Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil have also been documented in Lower Prior and remain present. Low numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (1.1/net), below the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Average length of Walleye sampled in gill nets was 16.4 inches with the largest measured at 21.9 inches. Despite low numbers, the majority of Walleye sampled during the 2024 survey were mainly composed of catchable sized fish. Moderate numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (25.3/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 303 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 5.9 inches and the largest measured at 8.3 inches. Nearly 25% of the 355 Bluegill sampled were greater than 7 inches. Upper Prior Lake is one of seven lakes in the West Metro Area (Hennepin, Carver, Scott Counties) included in the state-wide Quality Sunfish Initiative or QSI regulation (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/sunfish/index.html). This special regulation was implemented in spring 2021 and reduced the daily bag limit from 20 fish to 5 for Bluegill in an effort to protect and improve the existing population. Early results show a positive impact from the reduced bag limit with noticeable increases to Bluegill size structure. Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (1.6/net) and trap nets (1.9/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 36 Black Crappie sampled during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 8.7 inches and the largest measured at 10.1 inches. Nearly 35% of Black Crappie sampled during the 2024 survey measured greater than 9 inches. Upper Prior Lake is one of seven lakes in the West Metro Area (Hennepin, Carver, Scott Counties) included in the special regulation (implemented in spring 2021) that reduced the Black Crappie daily bag limit from 10 fish to 5 in an effort to protect and improve the existing population. Largemouth Bass are present in Lower Prior Lake, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2024 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 22 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 11.1 inches and the largest measured at 17.6 inches. Future surveys will include a targeted spring boat-electrofishing component. Moderate numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (4.3/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 34 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 22.8 inches and the largest measured at 36.3 inches. The Northern Pike population appears well balanced (a middle ground between high numbers of small fish and low numbers of large fish). Although not historically known as a pike destination, this is starting to change in recent years with multiple fish greater than 36 inches sampled. Low numbers of White Bass have been sampled in 9 of the previous 12 Lower Prior Surveys. This low number (2 sampled in 2024) likely leads to reduced competition and increased sizes and growth rates. The average size White Bass measured 16.8 inches, with the largest measured at 17.5 inches. Although likely found in lower numbers than other game fish in Lower Prior Lake, anglers targeting this fish have the opportunity to chase fish nearing trophy size (18"+). Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Lower Prior is a 956-acre lake with a maximum depth of 60 feet. Lower Prior Lake is located west of the City of Prior Lake. It is connected via a navigable channel to Upper Prior Lake. Public access is provided by a DNR-owned boat ramp located on the north side of the lake. Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels are present in the lake. Lower Prior is managed for Walleye, and also holds healthy populations of Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. White Bass are also present, which is unique to lakes in the area. Management includes Walleye stocking every other year, and a special regulation for sunfish and crappie. A new possession limit of 5 sunfish and 5 crappies is in place on Lower Prior. A Standard Survey was conducted in 2021 to assess the fish populations. Walleye numbers were above average in 2021, and a wide range of sizes of fish were present. Fish lengths were between 12 and 28 inches, with a 17 inch average. Half of the fish in the gill net catch were smaller than 15 inches, indicating success of recent stocking. Walleye do well in Lower Prior, and management will continue to focus on this species. Largemouth Bass are present in Lower Prior Lake, but targeted bass electrofishing was not conducted as part of the 2021 survey. The fish were caught in both gill nets and trap nets; however, survey nets don't sample bass well so insight into the population is limited. Eleven fish were caught in the nets and their lengths were between 5 and 17 inches. When the lake was last electrofished for bass, in 2015, an abundant population of modestly sized fish were present. At that time, average fish size was 9.3 inches, and the largest fish measured 16.2 inches. Eighty-six percent of the fish from the 2015 sample were smaller than 12 inches. Northern Pike were sampled in moderate numbers in 2021, and size was good. Fish lengths were between 19 and 36 inches, and 75% of the catch exceeded 24 inches. Although not highly abundant, the size of the northerns could offer good harvest opportunities. Lower Prior is part of the Southern Zone for Northern Pike regulation, allowing anglers to harvest two northerns over 24 inches. Black Crappie were sampled in low numbers in 2021. Fish lengths were between 4 and 11 inches, with an average size of 8 inches. A new regulation took effect in 2021 on Lower Prior Lake for panfish. Only 5 crappies and 5 sunfish may be harvested per angler. The goal of the regulation is to limit harvest and give the fish a chance to grow larger. Panfish grow fast in Lower Prior, so if the new regulation is effective at reducing harvest, the average size of Black Crappie should increase with time. Bluegill were sampled in above average numbers in 2021, though they are not overly abundant. Lengths were between 3 and 9 inches, with an average of 5 inches. Although only about 10% of the fish exceeded 7 inches, Bluegill grow fast in Lower Prior. With the new reduced harvest limit, a greater portion of the population will have a chance to grow large, and average size should increase. Targeted monitoring of panfish growth will document the effect of the new regulation. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Brown Bullhead, hybrid sunfish, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Green Sunfish, and White Crappie in Lower Prior. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Lower Prior. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Lower Prior has a maximum depth of 60 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Lower Prior is from 2024.

Yes — Lower Prior has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.