---
type: lake
name: "Smith Lake"
county: "Douglas"
nearest_town: "Nelson"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 666
max_depth_ft: 30
latitude: 45.85074
longitude: -95.24788
lake_score: 58
dnr_lake_id: "21001600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/smith-lake
---

# Smith Lake

Lake in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Nelson

- **Surface Area**: 666 acres
- **Max Depth**: 30 ft
- **Average Depth**: 15 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 3.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 58/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 15
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Shady Oaks Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Jessie Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/jessie-lake) - 3 miles, 110 acres
- [Lake Victoria](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-victoria) - 4.4 miles, 417 acres
- [Burgen Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/burgen-lake) - 4.6 miles, 174 acres
- [Union Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/union-lake) - 5.1 miles, 107 acres
- [Lake Geneva](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-geneva) - 5.2 miles, 640 acres
- [Lake Agnes](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-agnes) - 6.8 miles, 137 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=45.85074,-95.24788)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=21001600)
- [All lakes in Douglas County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/smith-lake)*