Hay Lake
About Hay Lake
Hay Lake is a 364-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Hay Lake
- 364 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 13.2 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 364 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 179 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Hay Lake
Compare Hay Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Hand Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus289 acres
1.8 miles away
Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville184 acres
2.6 miles away
Ponto Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus388 acres
2.7 miles away
Blackwater Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville771 acres
2.9 miles away
Mule Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville525 acres
3 miles away
Sand Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack149 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 364 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake covers 364 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass 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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hay Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.