West Smith
A 34-acre lake near Alder in Itasca County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 1986.
Fish Species (5)
Black Crappie
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 3.0 per trap net · typical 1.2–4.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 1986 | 3.00 | - | 0.22 lbs |
Bluegill
Typical numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.5 per trap net · typical 4.9–49.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 1986 | 5.50 | - | 0.07 lbs |
Pumpkinseed
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net · typical 1.7–10.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 1986 | 0.50 | - | 0.15 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per trap net · typical 0.5–5.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 1986 | 1.00 | - | 0.07 lbs |
Northern Pike
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.25 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 1986 | 0.25 | - | 0.50 lbs |
Biologist Notes
June 18, 1986ALL SPECIES ARE WITHIN LIMITS FOR THIS TYPE OF LAKE.
ALL SPECIES ARE WITHIN LIMITS FOR THIS TYPE OF LAKE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in West Smith?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch in West Smith. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at West Smith?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for West Smith. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is West Smith?
West Smith has a maximum depth of 28 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in West Smith last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in West Smith is from 1986. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does West Smith have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for West Smith in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 34.35 acres
- Max Depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.86 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed