Smith Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Hill City. DNR lake ID 31054700.
Smith Lake is a 43.2-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Hill City. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 83% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.2 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 walleye, northern pike, 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 | 31054700 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Hill City |
| Surface area | 43.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 83% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.2 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 9.2 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Smith Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Smith Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2011 (15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | trap | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.0 | 2.7 to 9.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.83 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 1.9 to 19.1 |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.0 | 2.9 to 41.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.33 | 1.5 to 7.4 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2011), Walleye 28.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
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
- Smith Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 10 miles south of Grand Rapids, off US Highway #169, on the east shore of Smith Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Carlson Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Mountain Ash Lake 3.4 mi, Itasca County
- Dinner Pail Lake 4.4 mi, Itasca County
- Maple Lake 4.6 mi, Itasca County
- South Sugar Lake 5.3 mi, Itasca County
- Siseebakwet Lake 5.4 mi, Itasca County
- Split Hand Lake 5.6 mi, Itasca County
- Pokegama Lake 5.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Smith Lake
How deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 83% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers about 43.2 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Smith Lake?
Summer water clarity on Smith Lake averages 9.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Smith Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
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 Smith Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, white sucker, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in Smith Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2011.
Where is the public boat access on Smith Lake?
Smith Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Smith Lake.
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?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 83% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.2 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 Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2011), 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.