Hay Lake near 46.9552, -93.2114 is a lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota. Hay Lake covers about 129 acres and reaches a recorded 32 feet.
What to Expect at Hay Lake
Hay Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.
Fish and Useful Baits at Hay Lake
Fish reported from Hay Lake include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, brown bullhead, central mudminnow, golden shiner, johnny darter, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.
Bass
For bass at Hay Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.
Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish
For panfish at Hay Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.
Walleye
For roaming fish at Hay Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.
Northern Pike
For large predators at Hay Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.
Bullheads
For bottom fishing at Hay Lake, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.
Other Reported Fish
Other choices at Hay Lake include these plans: work a tough soft plastic or cut bait near weeds and wood for bowfin.
A Simple Fishing Plan for Hay Lake
On a first trip to Hay Lake, 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.
When to Fish Hay Lake
Spring at Hay Lake 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 Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.