Lower Hay Lake
About Lower Hay Lake
Lower Hay Lake is a 700-acre lake near Jenkins in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 100 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.6 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 59 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lower Hay Lake
- 700 acres, up to 100 feet deep, near Jenkins
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 18.6 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 700 acres
- Max depth
- 100 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 215 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
- 21
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 59
- Earliest
- April 7, 2021
- Latest
- May 25, 1989
- Most recent
- April 9, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lower Hay Lake
Compare Lower Hay Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lower Hay Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lower Hay Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lower Hay Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lower Hay Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bertha Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins337 acres
1.5 miles away
Upper Hay Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins596 acres
2 miles away
Clamshell Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins211 acres
2.5 miles away
Clear Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins226 acres
2.9 miles away
Grass Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point45 acres
3 miles away
Whitefish Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake7,714 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Hay Lake?
Lower Hay Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. It covers 700 acres and reaches 100 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lower Hay Lake?
Lower Hay Lake covers 700 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 100 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lower Hay Lake?
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 Lower Hay Lake?
Yes. Lower 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 Lower Hay Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lower 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 Lower Hay Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lower Hay Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lower Hay Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Lower Hay Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 59 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 7, 2021 and the latest is May 25, 1989.
Does Lower Hay Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lower Hay Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.