East Smith Lake
About East Smith Lake
East Smith Lake is a 152-acre lake near Alder in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2009.
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.
Plan Your Visit to East Smith Lake
- 152 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Alder
- 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, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 152 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 68 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
- 5
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2009
- 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 East Smith Lake
Compare East Smith Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Crooked Lake
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North Star Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Smith Lake?
East Smith Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. It covers 152 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Smith Lake?
East Smith Lake covers 152 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Smith Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on East Smith Lake.
Can you swim at East Smith Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East 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 East Smith Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for East Smith Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.