Upper Prior

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Upper Prior Lake was conducted beginning on June 23, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample all 10 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 15 species of fish including two species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Iowa Darter and Mimic Shiner) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Black Bullhead and Green sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by LBMA Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 10 species of fish, none that are intolerant of disturbance and one that is tolerant of disturbance (I.e., Black Bullhead). Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number and comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net were combined with gill net survey conducted during the week of July 29, 2024 to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Iowa Darter and Minic Shiner), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead and Green sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Lower Minnesota River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Upper Prior Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Upper Prior is a 386-acre (329 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Upper Prior Lake is located west of the City of Prior Lake, in northern Scott County. Upper 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 southwest side of the lake off Minnesota Highway 12 and Dewitt Avenue (up to 10 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/4 gill nets) was conducted on Upper Prior Lake during the week of 7/29/2024 to monitor water quality and fish populations. Water color was brown/green, with low water clarity, measured at 3.5 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell to zero parts per million (ppm) below 12 feet, meaning fish would be unable to use water depths greater than 12 feet during mid-summer. Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil have been found in Upper Prior and remain present. Moderate numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (6.8/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Average length of Walleye sampled in gill nets was 16.4 inches with the largest measured at 25.4 inches. Over 70% of Walleye sampled measured greater than 15 inches. Walleye growth in Upper Prior was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro. Despite a lack of natural reproduction in Prior Lake, Walleye fingerling stocking has created a harvestable fishery with decent numbers, fast growth, and large sizes. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (39.4/net) well above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 355 Bluegill sampled, with an average length of 6.2 inches and the largest measured at 8.4 inches. Nearly 40% 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 to high numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (5.0/net) and trap nets (16.7/net) above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 170 Black Crappie sampled during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 8.5 inches and a maximum length of 14.0 inches. Nearly 50% 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. An abundance of harvestable sizes (9") and large individuals (14") should provide quality Black Crappie angling opportunity. Largemouth Bass are present in Upper Prior Lake, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2024 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 13 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 12.1 inches and the largest measured at 15.0 inches. Future surveys will include a targeted spring boat-electrofishing component. Moderate numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (6.0/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Despite a modest number of pike sampled, the 2024 netting represents the highest catch rate of Northern Pike on Upper Prior Lake in the previous 30 years. There were 24 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 25.9 inches and the largest measured at 37.8 inches. The Northern Pike population appears well balanced (a middle ground between high numbers of small fish and low numbers of large fish). Despite recent increases in Northern Pike numbers, size structure remains well above average. Low numbers of White Bass have been sampled in the previous 12 Upper Prior Surveys. This low number (10 sampled in 2024) likely leads to reduced competition and increased sizes and growth rates. The average size White Bass sampled in 2024 measured 15.5 inches, with the largest measured at 16.7 inches. Although likely found in lower numbers than other game fish in Upper Prior Lake, anglers targeting this fish have the opportunity to chase fish nearing trophy size (18"+). Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Upper Prior is a 386-acre lake with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Upper Prior Lake is located near the City of Prior Lake, and is connected to Lower Prior Lake. Public access is provided by a DNR-owned boat ramp located on the south side of the lake off of Dewitte Ave. Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels are present in Upper Prior Lake. Upper Prior is primarily managed for Walleye, but also holds populations of Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. White Bass are also present in low numbers. 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 Upper Prior. A Standard Survey was conducted on Upper Prior Lake in 2021 to assess the status of the fishery. Walleye numbers in Upper Prior were moderate, with a broad range of sizes present. Fish were between 12 and 28 inches, with an average size of 18 inches. Almost half of the fish sampled were between 12 and 13 inches, indicating success of recent stocking. Over the next couple of years those fish should attain a good harvestable size. Despite modest abundance, Walleye do well in Upper Prior, and management will continue to focus on this species. Largemouth Bass are present in Upper 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. The 11 fish caught in the nets ranged in length between 8 and 17 inches. When the lake was last electrofished for bass, in 2015, an abundant population of moderately sized fish were observed. Average fish size during that survey was 9 inches, and the largest fish sampled was just under 16 inches. Only 5% of bass sampled in 2015 were larger than 12 inches. Northern Pike have historically been present in Upper Prior in low numbers, and that was true again in 2021. Only two fish were sampled by gill nets; one just under 24 inches, and the other just over. Four northerns were caught in the trap nets, and they were between 21 and 31 inches long. The abundance of the fish is so low that anglers probably won't spend too much time targeting them. However, if one were to catch a northern while fishing for bass, then there's a good chance that the fish would be over 24 inches and harvestable under the Northern Pike regulation. Two northerns over 24 inches can be kept per angler. Black Crappie were sampled in low numbers in 2021. Crappie populations (more so than other species) have a tendency to fluctuate in abundance, with a single year class dominating the population until they are replaced with a successive year class. During the previous survey, in 2018, crappie were sampled in high numbers, with most of the fish exceeding 8 inches. Those fish are likely gone from (or leaving) the population now. With favorable conditions for reproduction, the low abundance population in the lake in 2021 could produce a large year class of offspring. Bluegill were sampled in high numbers in 2021, and size was modest. The fish were between 3 and 8 inches long, with only 6% of the trap net catch exceeding 7 inches. A new regulation took effect in 2021 for sunfish and crappies on Upper Prior. Only 5 Bluegill and 5 crappie may be harvested per angler. Upper Prior was chosen for this regulation because panfish grow fast in the lake, and the lake has a history of producing large Bluegill and crappie. The goal of the regulation is to limit harvest in order to give fish a chance to grow to large sizes. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

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

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

Upper Prior has a maximum depth of 50 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Upper Prior is from 2025.

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