Little Smith

Itasca County

Near Alder

DOW: 31067900

Northern PikeGood · 69Yellow PerchGood · 52Black CrappieGood · 51

A 40-acre lake near Alder in Itasca County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1986.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Good · 69

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

6.40 lbs

Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 2.5–7.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 19, 1986	1.00	-	6.40 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 19, 1986	0.25	-	1.30 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Good · 52

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.10 lbs

Catch rate: 13.5 per gill net · typical 1.5–20.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 19, 1986	0.50	-	0.10 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jun 19, 1986	13.50	-	0.10 lbs	Standard gill nets

Black Crappie

Good · 51

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.30 lbs

Catch rate: 2.3 per trap net · typical 1.1–10.6 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 19, 1986	1.50	-	0.20 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 19, 1986	2.25	-	0.30 lbs	Standard trap nets

Bluegill

Average · 34

Typical numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.06 lbs

Catch rate: 9.0 per trap net · typical 4.3–32.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 19, 1986	9.00	-	0.06 lbs	Standard trap nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

North-central zone

Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediatley released).

Crappie

10 combined total

Sunfish

20 combined total

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

North-central zone

Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").

Biologist Notes

June 19, 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 Little Smith?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Bluegill in Little Smith. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Little Smith?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Little Smith. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Little Smith?

Little Smith has a maximum depth of 35 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Little Smith last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Smith is from 1986. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Little Smith have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Little Smith in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Little Smith?

No — Little Smith has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.