Hay Lake

Hay Lake is a lake in Penobscot County, Maine and covers about 625 acres, with a deepest recorded spot of 34 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Hay Lake Affect Fishing

Hay Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Hay Lake

Fish reported from Hay Lake include landlocked Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch.

Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Hay, use a worm or tiny jig near weeds and shade for pumpkinseed, and fish a small jig, minnow or worm close to the bottom for yellow perch.

Bullheads

For brown bullheads at Hay, put a nightcrawler or small piece of cut bait on the bottom in quiet water, especially after sunset.

Trout

For trout at Hay, try a small spoon, inline spinner, streamer or worm near cool incoming water for brook trout.

Salmon, Lake Trout and Other Deep-Water Fish

For deep-water fish at Hay, troll a smelt-colored streamer, thin spoon or small minnow plug for landlocked salmon.

How the Seasons Change Hay Lake

Spring at Hay is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Hay can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Hay Lake

On a first trip to Hay, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Hay Lake

A medium spinning rod covers most casting at Hay, while a second rod with enough line and weight to reach deep water is useful for salmon.

Hay Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 625-acre Hay Lake?

At Hay, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 34-foot deep end of Hay Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Hay is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Hay Lake?

Landlocked Atlantic salmon is on the fish list for Hay, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.