Smith Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31065000.
Smith Lake is a 208.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
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 | 31065000 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 208.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Mean depth | 12.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 42% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.7 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 12.7 ft.
Fishing on Smith Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2003 (23 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 | gill | 0.67 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.33 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.5 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 7.17 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 4.33 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 9.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 18.67 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.5 to 3.1 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.8 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.33 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 21.0 in (2003), Walleye 26.0 in (2003), Smallmouth bass 19.0 in (2003), Northern pike 35.0 in (2003).
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
- McKewen Lake 0.5 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- East Smith Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Smith Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Duck Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Hole-in-Wall Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Baldy Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Dock Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Smith Lake
How deep is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake covers about 208.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Smith Lake?
Summer water clarity on Smith Lake averages 12.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
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.
How is the walleye population on Smith Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2003, walleye numbers on Smith Lake ran mostly within 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?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 42% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.7 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 Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2003), 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.