Orono Lake
About Orono Lake
Orono Lake is a 301-acre lake near Elk River in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 3 feet, and has roughly 12.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Orono Lake
- 301 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Elk River
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 301 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 3 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 281 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Orono Lake
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Nearby Lakes
East Twin Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Elk River92 acres
5.2 miles away
Foster Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Berning Mill115 acres
5.6 miles away
Birch Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake160 acres
5.7 miles away
Big Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake254 acres
7.6 miles away
Mitchell Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake170 acres
7.9 miles away
Diamond Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Rogers (Hennepin)405 acres
8.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Orono Lake?
Orono Lake is in Sherburne County, Minnesota, near Elk River. It covers 301 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Orono Lake?
Orono Lake covers 301 acres with about 12.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 3 feet.
What fish can you catch at Orono Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Orono Lake?
Yes. Orono Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Orono Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Orono Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Orono Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Orono Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Orono Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.