Big Lake vs Orono Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Sherburne County, Minnesota, side by side.
Orono Lake is the larger of the two at 301 acres against 254 for Big Lake. On our rankings, Orono Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Big Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Big Lake comes out ahead for boating, Big Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Orono Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Big Lake | Orono Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 70 / 100 | 55 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Big Lake | Elk River |
| Surface area | 254 acres | 301 acres |
| Max depth | 48 ft | 18 ft |
| Shoreline | 2.4 mi | 12.2 mi |
| Water clarity | 12.5 ft | 3 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 14 | 18 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | No |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | No | No |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingOrono Lake
- SwimmingBig Lake
- BoatingBig Lake
- PaddlingBig Lake
- Ice FishingOrono Lake
The lakes
More comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Big Lake or Orono Lake?
Orono Lake is bigger at 301 acres; Big Lake covers 254 acres.
Which is deeper, Big Lake or Orono Lake?
Big Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 48 feet against 18 feet.
Is Big Lake or Orono Lake better for fishing?
Orono Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Big Lake lists 14 species and Orono Lake lists 18.