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Frequently Asked Questions About Smith Lake, MN
- How big is Smith Lake?
- How deep is Smith Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Smith Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Smith Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Smith Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Smith Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Smith Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Smith Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Smith Lake?
How big is Smith Lake?
How deep is Smith Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Smith Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Sand Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Smith Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Smith Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Smith Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Smith Lake?
Explore the Smith Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Smith Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Smith Lake is a 575-acre basin located between Alexandria and Osakis. Maximum depth is 30.0 ft. Mean depth is 15.0 ft. Water clarity is impaired during summer months due to periodic algal blooms stimulated by excessive total phosphorus concentrations and seasonal die-off of curly-leaf pondweed. A public access is located on the east shoreline.
In spite of seasonal impairments, the fish community in Smith Lake is diverse and supports good fishing opportunities. Habitat attributes are typical of a "bass-panfish" lake. Primary gamefishes include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie.
Walleye are stocked every other year (odd numbered years) to sustain a viable fishery. Catches during the 2010 assessment averaged 4.9 walleye/gill net. Mean weight of walleye was 2.7 lbs. Growth rate is excellent with age-4 fish averaging 17.6 inches.
Northern pike catches averaged 5.7 fish/gill net. Average weight was 1.6 lbs. Only two northern pike out of 51 captures exceeded 24.0 inches. Age-4 northern pike averaged 20.5 inches.
Bluegill are very abundant. Growth is correspondingly slow. Older bluegill captured did not exceed 6.0 inches in length until age 7. Eighty-nine percent of bluegill captures were between 5.5 and 7.5 inches. Average length was 6.4 inches. Anglers are encouraged to harvest small sunfish to improve growth and size structure of the remaining population.
Smith Lake has long sustained an abundance of black crappie. Unfortunately, crappie don't grow very fast and most succumb to old age before growing to 10.0 inches. Anglers can anticipate relatively high catch rates of medium-size crappie. Eighty percent of trap net captures were less than 9.0 inches long. Average length of crappie caught during the 2010 survey was 8.3 inches.
Electrofishing was used to sample the bass population. Results indicate that largemouth bass are moderately abundant. Length frequency distribution describes a good size structure. Mean length of largemouth bass was 13.8 inches.
What is the average air temp for Smith Lake?
Are there any state parks near Smith Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Smith Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lake Jessie | 3.0 mi | 110 | 26 ft |
| Lake Victoria | 4.4 mi | 417 | 60 ft |
| Lake Burgan | 4.6 mi | 174 | 43 ft |
| Union Lake | 5.1 mi | 117 | 42 ft |
| Union Lake | 5.1 mi | 107 | 45 ft |
| Lake Geneva | 5.2 mi | 640 | 63 ft |
| Lake Agnes | 6.8 mi | 137 | 31 ft |
| Lake Henry | 7.1 mi | 152 | 32 ft |
| Lake Le Homme Dieu | 7.4 mi | 1,801 | 85 ft |
| Lake Winona | 7.4 mi | 213 | 9 ft |
