Mitchell 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 170 for Mitchell Lake. On our rankings, Orono Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Orono Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Mitchell Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Orono Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Mitchell Lake | Orono Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 56 / 100 | 55 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Big Lake | Elk River |
| Surface area | 170 acres | 301 acres |
| Max depth | 33 ft | 18 ft |
| Shoreline | 2.2 mi | 12.2 mi |
| Water clarity | 11 ft | 3 ft |
| Public access | 2 public boat launches (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 13 | 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 | No | Yes |
| Camping | No | No |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingOrono Lake
- SwimmingOrono Lake
- PaddlingMitchell Lake
- Ice FishingOrono Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Mitchell Lake or Orono Lake?
Orono Lake is bigger at 301 acres; Mitchell Lake covers 170 acres.
Which is deeper, Mitchell Lake or Orono Lake?
Mitchell Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 33 feet against 18 feet.
Is Mitchell 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. Mitchell Lake lists 13 species and Orono Lake lists 18.