Bay
About Bay
Bay is a 2,330-acre lake near Deerwood (Crow Wing) in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 74 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 24.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2021.
There are 2 public boat launches (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bay
- 2,330 acres, up to 74 feet deep, near Deerwood (Crow Wing)
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,330 acres
- Max depth
- 74 ft
- Shoreline
- 24.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,005 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
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt)
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
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bay
Compare Bay against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Bay ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Bay ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Bay ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Long / Tame Fish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)127 acres
2.1 miles away
Partridge Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nichols188 acres
2.4 miles away
Crooked Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison463 acres
2.5 miles away
Turtle Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nichols108 acres
2.7 miles away
Hanks Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison165 acres
3.1 miles away
Clearwater Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)905 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bay?
Bay is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Deerwood (Crow Wing). It covers 2,330 acres and reaches 74 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bay?
Bay covers 2,330 acres with about 24.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 74 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bay?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bay?
Yes. Bay has 2 public boat launches (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bay?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bay. 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 Bay stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bay; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Bay?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Bay have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bay as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.