Hay Lake
About Hay Lake
Hay Lake is a 129-acre lake near Jacobson in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Hay Lake Campground and Savanna State Forest -Hay Lake are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Hay Lake
- 129 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Jacobson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Hay Lake Campground and Savanna State Forest -Hay Lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 129 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 57 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Hay Lake Campground and Savanna State Forest -Hay Lake
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Hay Lake Campground and Savanna State Forest -Hay Lake are mapped on or near Hay Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Hay Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Vanduse Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson240 acres
2 miles away
Blackface Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Ball Bluff192 acres
2.4 miles away
Ball Bluff Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson169 acres
3.6 miles away
Cutaway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Balsam113 acres
6.4 miles away
Wakefield Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson164 acres
7.4 miles away
Savanna Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor101 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. It covers 129 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake covers 129 acres with about 2.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hay Lake?
Yes. Hay Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hay Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hay Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Hay Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Hay Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Hay Lake?
Yes. Hay Lake Campground and Savanna State Forest -Hay Lake are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.