Smith Lake
Washington County, Wisconsin
About Smith Lake
Smith Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Washington County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 85-acre lake reaching 5 feet at its deepest. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Spiny Naiad) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 85% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
43.47220° N, 88.19110° W
WBIC 36700 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Northern pike are ambush predators — target weed edges, fallen timber, and points with large spoons or swimbaits.
- ·Spring pike fishing (ice-out through June) can be outstanding as they move into shallow, warming bays to spawn.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
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Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Smith Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Smith Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Present
Spiny Naiad
Seasonal Notes
Coming soon
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Invasive Species Present
Spiny Naiad has been documented in Smith Lake. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.
Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Abundant), Northern Pike (Common), and Panfish (Abundant). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Smith Lake?
Yes — Smith Lake has 2 boat landings providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Smith Lake?
Smith Lake has 85 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 5 feet, a mean depth of 3 feet.
What is the bottom of Smith Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 85% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Smith Lake?
Yes — Spiny Naiad has been documented in Smith Lake. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Where is Smith Lake located?
Smith Lake is located in Washington County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.4722° N, 88.1911° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Smith Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Washington County lakes. Check our Smith Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Washington County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Smith Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 18" and the daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 36700
- County
- Washington County
- Surface Area
- 85 acres
- Max Depth
- 5 ft
- Mean Depth
- 3 ft
- Bottom
- 85% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.4722, -88.1911
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Smith Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (2)
Boat Landing 1
Boat Landing 2
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.