Little Smith Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. DNR lake ID 31067900.
Little Smith Lake is a 39.6-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. Its deepest point reaches 35 ft, and about 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Little 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 | 31067900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Alder |
| Surface area | 39.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 35 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 40% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.9 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 9.9 ft.
Fishing on Little Smith Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1986 (40 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 | 1.0 | 2.5 to 7.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.25 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.5 | 1.5 to 20.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.5 | 1.0 to 9.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.25 | 1.1 to 10.6 |
| Bluegill | trap | 9.0 | 4.3 to 32.8 |
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
- West Smith Lake 0.3 mi, Itasca County
- Hole-in-Wall Lake 0.6 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- McKewen Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- North Star Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- East Smith Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Duck Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Big Ole Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Smith Lake
How deep is Little Smith Lake?
Little Smith Lake reaches a maximum depth of 35 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Smith Lake?
Little Smith Lake covers about 39.6 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Smith Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Smith Lake averages 9.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Little Smith Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Smith Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little Smith Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Smith Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 40% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Smith Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Smith Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little 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 1986), 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.