West Smith

Itasca County

Near Alder

DOW: 31068000

Black CrappieGood · 51BluegillAverage · 34PumpkinseedAverage · 30

A 34-acre lake near Alder in Itasca County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 1986.

Fish Species (5)

Black Crappie

Good · 51

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.22 lbs

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	Gear
Jun 18, 1986	3.00	-	0.22 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

0.07 lbs

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	Gear
Jun 18, 1986	5.50	-	0.07 lbs	Standard trap nets

Pumpkinseed

Average · 30

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.15 lbs

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	Gear
Jun 18, 1986	0.50	-	0.15 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 28

Small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.07 lbs

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	Gear
Jun 18, 1986	1.00	-	0.07 lbs	Standard trap nets

Northern Pike

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.50 lbs

Catch rate: 0.25 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 18, 1986	0.25	-	0.50 lbs	Standard trap nets

See the best black crappie 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 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.

Are there special fishing regulations on West Smith?

No — West Smith has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.