The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Smithville Lake
Clay County, Missouri · 7,190 acres (11.2 sq mi)
58°F water, level 864 ft, calm this morning.
About Smithville Lake
In Clay County, Missouri, Smithville Lake covers 7,190 acres; it is a reservoir. Smithville Dam holds it back on the Little Platte River. Smithville Lake was built by damming the Little Platte River near Kansas City and is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
It stretches about 10.4 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 65 miles. Its surface is about 860 ft above sea level. Smithville lies about 1.5 miles to the southwest. Kansas City, the nearest city, is about 19 miles south.
- Size
- 7,190 acres (11.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 65 miles
- End to end
- About 10.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 860 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Smithville Dam, Little Platte River
- County
- Clay County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Smithville Lake
Anglers come to Smithville Lake for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and walleye. At 58°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:00 am · sunset 5:04 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Smithville Lake
- Smithvilleabout 1.5 mi southwest
- Plattsburgabout 3.4 mi northeast
- Kearneyabout 5.7 mi southeast
- Gowerabout 8.3 mi north
- Kansas Citynearest city, about 19 mi south
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Smithville Lake
What fish are in Smithville Lake?
Smithville Lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and walleye. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Smithville Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Smithville Lake?
7,190 acres, with about 65 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Smithville Lake?
Smithville is about 1.5 miles southwest; Plattsburg is about 3.4 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Smithville Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Smithville Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
