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Bear Creek Reservoir vs Lake Zumbro

Two of the top-scoring lakes in Olmsted County, Minnesota, side by side.

Lake Zumbro is the larger of the two at 715 acres against 104 for Bear Creek Reservoir. On our rankings, Lake Zumbro comes out ahead for fishing, Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for swimming, Lake Zumbro comes out ahead for boating, Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for camping, Lake Zumbro comes out ahead for paddling, and Lake Zumbro comes out ahead for ice fishing.

MeasureBear Creek ReservoirLake Zumbro
Lake Score61 / 10058 / 100
Nearest townChesterOronoco
Surface area104 acres715 acres
Max depth37 ft43 ft
Shoreline5.2 mi22.8 mi
Water clarity—5.3 ft
Public access1 public boat launch (asphalt)1 public boat launch (concrete)
Fish species723
Game fishNorthern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, BluegillWalleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
StockedNoYes
Special regulationsYesNo
Swim beachYesNo
CampingYesNo
Invasive speciesNone listedzebra mussel

Which lake is better for…

  • Fishing
    Lake Zumbro
  • Swimming
    Bear Creek Reservoir
  • Boating
    Lake Zumbro
  • Camping
    Bear Creek Reservoir
  • Paddling
    Lake Zumbro
  • Ice Fishing
    Lake Zumbro

The lakes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Bear Creek Reservoir or Lake Zumbro?

Lake Zumbro is bigger at 715 acres; Bear Creek Reservoir covers 104 acres.

Which is deeper, Bear Creek Reservoir or Lake Zumbro?

Lake Zumbro is deeper, with a maximum depth of 43 feet against 37 feet.

Is Bear Creek Reservoir or Lake Zumbro better for fishing?

Lake Zumbro ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Bear Creek Reservoir lists 7 species and Lake Zumbro lists 23.