Smith Lake
About Smith Lake
Smith Lake is a 193-acre lake near Brimson in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Smith Lake
- 193 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Brimson
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 15 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 193 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 15 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 74 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 carry-in access
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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
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Big Bear Lake
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King Lake
12 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Rollins318 acres
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White Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Two Harbors123 acres
4.3 miles away
Stone Lake
23 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Rollins197 acres
6 miles away
Briar Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Palmers79 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Brimson. It covers 193 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers 193 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Smith Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
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.