Fishing at Orono, Minnesota
300-acre lake · Sherburne County · 5 species stocked
Orono sits at 0 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in Sherburne County, Minnesota, covering 300 acres of lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on January 01, 2023, with 200 Black Crappie averaging 0.0 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 0, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Orono:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 800 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Yellow Perch | 800 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 1,200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 1,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 10 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 281,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 6,120 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Black Crappie in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Orono, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Orono
For black crappie, the best fishing on Orono is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Orono:
- Orono Lake — 0.1 mi (254 ac)
- Foster — 5.6 mi (115 ac)
- Foster Lake — 5.6 mi (123 ac)
- Birch — 5.7 mi (160 ac)
- Big — 7.6 mi (254 ac)
- Lake Mitchell — 7.7 mi (391 ac)
- Mitchell — 7.9 mi (170 ac)
- Sylvan Lake — 8.2 mi (136 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Orono. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Orono?
Orono has been stocked with Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye.
When was Orono last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 200 black crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Orono?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.