East Smith Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. DNR lake ID 31061600.
East Smith Lake is a 151.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. Its deepest point reaches 38 ft, and about 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on East 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 | 31061600 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Alder |
| Surface area | 151.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 38 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 45% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.6 ft through 2024 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2024) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 12.6 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, East Smith Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: steady.
Fishing on East Smith Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2009 (17 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 | 4.67 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.33 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.17 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.44 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 6.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 8.0 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2009), Northern pike 36.0 in (2009).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch.
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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Duck Lake 0.6 mi, Itasca County
- Baldy Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Dock Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Big Jack Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- McKewen Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Smith Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about East Smith Lake
How deep is East Smith Lake?
East Smith Lake reaches a maximum depth of 38 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is East Smith Lake?
East Smith Lake covers about 151.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is East Smith Lake?
Summer water clarity on East Smith Lake averages 12.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does East Smith Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
East Smith Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in East Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch in East Smith Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2009.
Are there lake homes for sale on East Smith Lake?
Homes on East 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 East Smith Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on East Smith Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 45% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on East Smith Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for East Smith Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about East Smith Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2009), 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.