Smith Lake
About Smith Lake
Smith Lake is a 491-acre lake near Garrison in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 54 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Smith Lake
- 491 acres, up to 54 feet deep, near Garrison
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 13.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 491 acres
- Max depth
- 54 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 181 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Smith Lake
Compare Smith Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Holt Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison164 acres
1 miles away
Camp Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine Center534 acres
2.3 miles away
Borden Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison1,011 acres
2.8 miles away
Miller Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison132 acres
4 miles away
Kenney Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison109 acres
4.3 miles away
Whitefish Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison709 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. It covers 491 acres and reaches 54 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers 491 acres with about 6.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 54 feet.
What fish can you catch at Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Smith Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Smith Lake.
Can you swim at Smith Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Smith Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Smith Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Smith Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Smith Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Smith Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.