Water · Twin Cities metro (Scott County)
South metro water in Scott County. Lower Prior runs about 956 acres and 60 feet deep, with bass, walleye, pike and both kinds of crappie.
Usual suspects: Largemouth bass, Walleye, Northern pike, Panfish, White bass
Prior Lake is two lakes holding hands, and this page is about the Lower one, the busy one. DNR LakeFinder lists Lower Prior at about 956 acres with a max depth of 60 feet and almost 15 miles of shoreline, most of it with a dock attached and a guy on it who’s sure about the weather.
DNR surveys list largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, black and white crappie, bluegill, perch and white bass. There’s a public access, and special regulations apply, so read the DNR regs first. No invented hot spots here. Real catches go in Reports. Honestly, a lake this close to the suburbs that still holds fish deserves a little respect. Facts from DNR LakeFinder.
We are watching the calendar. Nothing on the books for this water that we can stand behind. When a real event shows up, it will land here — not a daydream with a date slapped on it. See all of Events.
Boat kit
Picks from the species that actually live here, already on the gear guides. Click a card if you want it in the boat. We still will not invent a bite.
Storm
Pre-rigged soft shad with holographic flash and that WildEye stare that looks slightly judgmental. Cast it along weed edges and riprap when Minnesota bass want a baitfish without the drama of live bait.
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Rapala
The wounded-minnow that started arguments in more Minnesota tackle boxes than we can count. Twitch it, drown it, or just believe in it.
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Johnson
The original weedless wonder still earns a seat in Minnesota pike boats. Cast it through pads and cabbage, keep a steady wobble, and tip it with a trailer if the fish want a little more meal. Gold 3/4 is the listing we can actually buy today.
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Clam
Minnesota ice-house tungsten with a flat tie-eye that puts the hook where soft-mouthed crappies keep their secrets. Small, dense, and weirdly charming in Wonderbread paint.
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Rapala
Paddle-tail kick for swim jigs, underspins, or a plain jighead. The Mayor is the soft plastic you throw when the lake is pressured and you still want a clean baitfish profile.
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Rapala
Balsa with a job. The Shad Rap is the crankbait people name the way they name a truck.
View on AmazonFish notes BassWalleyeNorthern pikePanfishWhite bass
Gear guides MN weekend rod & reel — wallet setupsBass plastics & topwater for MN lakesBass spinning & casting for MN lakesMinnesota walleye classics
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