Smith Lake
About Smith Lake
Smith Lake is a 666-acre lake near Nelson in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Shady Oaks Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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
- 666 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Nelson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Shady Oaks Campground
- Listed as infested with 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 666 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 364 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)
- Camping: Shady Oaks Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Shady Oaks Campground is mapped on or near Smith Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Smith Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Jessie Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Nelson110 acres
3 miles away
Lake Victoria
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria417 acres
4.4 miles away
Burgen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria174 acres
4.6 miles away
Union Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada107 acres
5.1 miles away
Lake Geneva
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria640 acres
5.2 miles away
Lake Agnes
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria137 acres
6.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Nelson. It covers 666 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers 666 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Smith Lake?
Yes. Smith Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Smith Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Smith Lake?
Yes. Shady Oaks Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
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.