Smith Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. DNR lake ID 18002800.
Smith Lake is a 490.8-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. Its deepest point reaches 54 ft, and about 37% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Smith Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18002800 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Garrison |
| Surface area | 490.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 54 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 37% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.7 ft through 2024 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 11.7 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Smith Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Smith Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 1.67 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.09 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.78 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.36 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.44 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.09 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 10.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 11.09 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 6.44 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 3.91 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.44 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.36 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.11 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.73 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.11 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.09 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2010), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2022), Northern pike 31.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2021).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Bassett Lake 0.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Holt Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Barbour Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Camp Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Borden Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Miller Lake 4.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Kenney Lake 4.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Whitefish Lake 4.4 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Smith Lake
How deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake reaches a maximum depth of 54 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 37% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers about 490.8 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Smith Lake?
Summer water clarity on Smith Lake averages 11.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Smith Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Smith Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Smith Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
How is the walleye population on Smith Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1997 to 2010, walleye numbers on Smith Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Smith Lake?
Homes on Smith Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Smith Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Smith Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 37% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Smith Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Smith Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Smith Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.