Upper Hay Lake
About Upper Hay Lake
Upper Hay Lake is a 596-acre lake near Jenkins in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.2 feet.
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 2022.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Hay Lake
- 596 acres, up to 42 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, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 8.2 feet
- 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
- 596 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 208 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
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 Upper Hay Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lower Hay Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins700 acres
2 miles away
Bertha Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins337 acres
2.7 miles away
Clear Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins226 acres
3.3 miles away
Sibley Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pequot Lakes444 acres
3.6 miles away
Clamshell Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins211 acres
3.8 miles away
Grass Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point45 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Hay Lake?
Upper Hay Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. It covers 596 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Hay Lake?
Upper Hay Lake covers 596 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Hay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Upper Hay Lake?
Yes. Upper 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 Upper Hay Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper 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 Upper Hay Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper Hay Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Upper Hay Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper 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.