---
type: lake
name: "Hay Lake"
county: "Aitkin"
nearest_town: "Jacobson"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 129
max_depth_ft: 32
latitude: 46.95481
longitude: -93.2121
lake_score: 56
dnr_lake_id: "01005900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/hay-lake
---

# Hay Lake

Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson

- **Surface Area**: 129 acres
- **Max Depth**: 32 ft
- **Average Depth**: 14 ft
- **Shoreline**: 2.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 5.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 56/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 10
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Hay Lake Campground
- Savanna State Forest -Hay Lake

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Vanduse Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/vanduse-lake) - 2 miles, 240 acres
- [Blackface Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/blackface-lake) - 2.4 miles, 192 acres
- [Ball Bluff Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/ball-bluff-lake) - 3.6 miles, 169 acres
- [Cutaway Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/cutaway-lake) - 6.4 miles, 113 acres
- [Wakefield Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/wakefield-lake) - 7.4 miles, 164 acres
- [Savanna Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/savanna-lake) - 7.5 miles, 101 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.95481,-93.2121)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=01005900)
- [All lakes in Aitkin County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county/hay-lake)*