Bear Creek Reservoir vs Shady Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Olmsted County, Minnesota, side by side.
Shady Lake is the larger of the two at 144 acres against 104 for Bear Creek Reservoir. On our rankings, Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for fishing, Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for swimming, Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for boating, Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for camping, Shady Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Bear Creek Reservoir comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Bear Creek Reservoir | Shady Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 61 / 100 | 34 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Chester | Oronoco |
| Surface area | 104 acres | 144 acres |
| Max depth | 37 ft | 13 ft |
| Shoreline | 5.2 mi | 9.2 mi |
| Water clarity | — | — |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (asphalt) | Public access on record |
| Fish species | 7 | 0 |
| Game fish | Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill | — |
| Stocked | No | No |
| Special regulations | Yes | No |
| Swim beach | Yes | No |
| Camping | Yes | Yes |
| Invasive species | None listed | None listed |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingBear Creek Reservoir
- SwimmingBear Creek Reservoir
- BoatingBear Creek Reservoir
- CampingBear Creek Reservoir
- PaddlingShady Lake
- Ice FishingBear Creek Reservoir
The lakes
More comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Bear Creek Reservoir or Shady Lake?
Shady Lake is bigger at 144 acres; Bear Creek Reservoir covers 104 acres.
Which is deeper, Bear Creek Reservoir or Shady Lake?
Bear Creek Reservoir is deeper, with a maximum depth of 37 feet against 13 feet.
Is Bear Creek Reservoir or Shady Lake better for fishing?
Bear Creek Reservoir ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Bear Creek Reservoir lists 7 species and Shady Lake lists 0.