Smith Lake
About Smith Lake
Smith Lake is a 43-acre lake near Hill City in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2011.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Smith Lake
- 43 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Hill City
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 43 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 36 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2011
- 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.
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
Carlson Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids188 acres
2.1 miles away
Mountain Ash Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City101 acres
3.4 miles away
Dinner Pail Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City47 acres
4.4 miles away
Siseebakwet Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids1,210 acres
5.4 miles away
Split Hand Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids1,374 acres
5.6 miles away
Pokegama Lake
86 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids6,721 acres
5.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Hill City. It covers 43 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers 43 acres with about 1.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, 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 (gravel or earth), managed by the county. 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Smith Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.