---
type: lake
name: "Hay Lake"
county: "Cass"
nearest_town: "Backus"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 364
max_depth_ft: 56
latitude: 46.86993
longitude: -94.28147
lake_score: 64
dnr_lake_id: "11019900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/hay-lake
---

# Hay Lake

Lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus

- **Surface Area**: 364 acres
- **Max Depth**: 56 ft
- **Shoreline**: 5.2 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 13.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 64/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## 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**: 14
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Hand Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/hand-lake) - 1.8 miles, 289 acres
- [Island Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/island-lake-longville) - 2.6 miles, 184 acres
- [Ponto Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/ponto-lake) - 2.7 miles, 388 acres
- [Blackwater Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/blackwater-lake) - 2.9 miles, 771 acres
- [Mule Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/mule-lake) - 3 miles, 525 acres
- [Sand Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/sand-lake) - 3.5 miles, 149 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.86993,-94.28147)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=11019900)
- [All lakes in Cass County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county)

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