The Lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and this question would be best answered by them. However, sinking brush or anything else in Smithville Lake is prohibited. As with all (?most?) Corps lakes, a permit is required to sink brush and Smithville Lake Corps employees do not currently issue permits…

The reason being, there is currently a large habitat project ongoing that is creating brush piles and rock piles. There is plenty of opportunity to help with the brush pile project that is ongoing at Smithville Lake. This has been a big success and has (by angler reports) improved fishing at the Lake quite a bit. As an incentive, volunteers often have a say in where new habitat is located! Contact the Corps office at Smithville for more info.


I can't speculate as to what fines etc may cost. The project mentioned above provides lots of opportunity to improve the lake at no cost to you, no wear and tear on your equipment (they have a big rock barge), and no fines. Its a win win!