Minnesota · DNR survey data
Hay Lake
Hay Lake covers 140 acres in Carlton County, running to 14 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2021. The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for this lake, so there is no depth map here, just the survey record: what the nets held and how big it ran.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeStocked · 2025Good numbers4per gill net18"Typical25"Biggest
Lengths measured · 25 fish
Recent · 2021Lengths measured · 25 fish
2021Lengths measured · 5 fish
2011Only 5 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 26 fish
2003No recent survey rating.
Northern pikeJust a few4.7per gill net18"Typical39"Biggest
Lengths measured · 40 fish
Recent · 2021Lengths measured · 40 fish
2021Lengths measured · 62 fish
2011Lengths measured · 55 fish
2003Lengths measured · 21 fish
1997BluegillJust a few1.9per trap net3"Typical7"Biggest
Lengths measured · 18 fish
Recent · 2021Lengths measured · 18 fish
2021Lengths measured · 38 fish
2011Lengths measured · 21 fish
2003Yellow perchExcellent numbers28.5per gill net6"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 185 fish
Recent · 2021Lengths measured · 185 fish
2021Lengths measured · 28 fish
2011Lengths measured · 22 fish
2003Lengths measured · 122 fish
1997Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear — which is why the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, the page shows presence and size only. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey. You can read every number on this page without an app or an account.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye | 214,000 fry |
| 2023 | Walleye | 214,000 fry |
| 2021 | Walleye | 214,000 fry |
| 2019 | Walleye | 214,000 fry |
| 2017 | Walleye | 235,000 fry |
Recent reports
Hay Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Hay Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Hay Lake (trailer launch)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Chub Lake · 313 ac · 1.5 mi
- Blackhoof Lake · 41 ac · 5.1 mi
- Thomson Reservoir · 390 ac · 5.7 mi
- Sand Lake · 128 ac · 6.1 mi
- Hizer Lake · 34 ac · 6.1 mi
- Forbay Lake · 35 ac · 6.6 mi
- Scanlon Reservoir · 71 ac · 8.2 mi
- Fond du Lac Reservoir · 201 ac · 8.4 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for Hay Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for Hay Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in Hay Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2021) recorded walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch.
Does Hay Lake have a public access?
Yes. Hay Lake has one public access site: Hay Lake (trailer launch).
Is Hay Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2017.
When was Hay Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Hay Lake in 2021, the most recent of 4 surveys on record.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .