Rod Smith Pond

Rainbow Trout have been stocked in Rod Smith Pond annually in June by the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club. The DNR have also stocked Bluegill and Largemouth Bass annually since 2014. An assessment was done May 25, 2016 to May 26, 2016 to determine if fish were present after low oxygen readings were recorded in the winter and to determine the abundance levels of undesirable species. Four trap nets (0.75-inch) were set around the shoreline for two consecutive days. Bullheads, Green Sunfish, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch were sampled. Additionally, Largemouth Bass were observed in the pond but not captured. Abundance levels appeared reasonable. For example, 9 Bullheads were sampled in 2016 compared to 1,540 sampled in 2014.

Rainbow trout are stocked in Rod Smith pond annually in June by the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club. An population assessment was done April 29, 2015 to May 4, 2015 to determine if any rainbow trout were present after low oxygen readings were recorded 2 months earlier and also to remove unwanted species. Six quarter-inch trap nets were set around the shoreline for consecutive 4 days. Bluegill, green sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow bullhead and yellow perch were sampled. All species were released to the larger pit just across the gravel berm to the west, except the bullheads which were disposed of. It should be noted the bullheads sampled in this assessment totaled 17 compared to 1,540 sampled in May 2014. Also no bluegill, green sunfish or largemouth bass were sampled in the previous year. No trout were captured or observed.

Rainbow trout are stocked in Rod Smith pond annually in June by the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club. An assessment was done in May, 2014 primarily to determine if any rainbow trout were present after low oxygen readings and a severe winter, but also to remove unwanted species. Six quarter-inch trap nets were set around the shoreline for consecutive 4 days. A total of 5 northern pike and 63 yellow perch were caught and moved to the larger pit just across the gravel berm to the west. 1,540 black bullheads were also caught and disposed of. No trout were captured or observed.

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

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

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rod Smith Pond is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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

No — Rod Smith Pond has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.