Hay Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

11019900

County

Cass

Surface area

364 acres

Maximum depth

56 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

179 acres, 49% of the lake

Shoreline

5.2 miles

Average water clarity

13.2 feet (Secchi disk, 9 readings)

Nearest town (DNR)

Backus

Latest DNR fish survey

August 2024, targeted survey

Surveys on record

14, since 1967

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, yellow perch, and 18 other species

Stocked in 2024

walleye yearlings (1,584)

Stocked in 2023

walleye fingerlings (1,052)

Stocked in 2022

walleye fingerlings (1,731)

Stocking years on record

9 of the last 10 (2016 to 2024)

Hay Lake Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 4 trailer spaces, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have not been tested

Size

100 to 499 acres

Deepest point

30 to 59 feet

Public access

Yes

Stocked in the last 3 years

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026
• Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites
  Checked September 24, 2026

Survey catches show what DNR nets and electrofishing found on the survey date, not how the fishing is today. Check the current regulations and the Department of Health advice before you keep fish, and confirm access conditions before you tow a boat.