Hay

Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff conducted an assessment of lakeshore habitat on Hay Lake on September 3rd 2025, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The assessment consisted of 34 survey sites evenly spaced 100 meters around the lake. Assessments were made in three habitat zones: Shoreline Zone (the shore-water interface to the top of the natural bank), Shoreland Zone (land-ward from shoreline to development structure or 100 feet), and Aquatic Zone (lake-ward 50 feet of shoreline). The average lakewide habitat score was 89.6 (+/- 2.7) out of 100 possible. A score of 89.6 indicates the lakewide shoreline condition is High (85-91.9). Approximately 29 percent of the sites were developed with a mean score of 74.5 (+/- 7.0) indicating shoreline habitat quality of developed sites is Moderate (70-79.9), while undeveloped sites had a mean score of 95.8 (+/- 1.0) with Excellent (92+) habitat quality.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Hay Lake was conducted 07/05/2024 by Aitkin Area Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 15-foot seine was used at five stations. Five stations were not seined due to soft sediment and dense vegetation. Nearshore sampling captured 12 species of fish. No species tolerant or intolerant of disturbance were captured. The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a 06/14/2024 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based index of biotic integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish and Black Bullhead). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey are inconclusive, although Hay Lake may be adversely impacted by stressors, as indicated by an FIBI score near the general use impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. These results differ from previous findings which indicated that Hay Lake was fully supporting aquatic life. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River-Brainerd watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Hay Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Hay Lake is located in northern Aitkin County, about four miles southeast of Jacobson, MN. Most of the land surrounding the lake is publicly owned with private property confined to the northern portion of the lake. Abundant undeveloped shorelines help foster a tranquil setting, which would appeal to anglers seeking a peaceful outing. A public access associated with a state forest campground is located along the southeastern shore. Hay Lake supports fisheries for popular species such as Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. The Northern Pike catch in 2024 (8.0 per gill net) was comparable to previous catches and within the expected range for similar lakes. Pike lengths averaged 22.2 inches and ranged from 16.5 to 26.4 inches, with about 10% that measured at least 26 inches. Growth rates were similar to county and statewide averages with fish averaging 20.3 inches in 4 years. Bluegill abundance in 2024 (9.4 per trap net) decreased from the previous survey in 2013 (23.6 per trap net), but was still within the expected range for similar lakes. Although Bluegill catch rates were lower than previous assessments, the number of larger fish appeared to improve, with 11 percent of the Bluegill catch measuring at least 8.0 inches. This is a substantial increase from previous surveys dating back to 1980 (< 1% greater than 8.0 inches). In 2024, Bluegill lengths averaged 5.9 inches and ranged from 3.4 to 9.3 inches. Growth was near average for lakes in Aitkin County, with fish needing 7 years to reach 7 inches. In 2024, a high abundance of small and slow growing Black Crappie were observed, with fish only reaching 6 inches in 6 years. Catch rates in 2024 (18.8 per gill net) increased from the previous assessment in 2013 (4.3 per gill net) and was above the expected range compared to similar lakes. The size structure of Black Crappie was poor, they ranged from 4.6 to 7.8 inches and averaging 5.8 inches. Other species sampled in low numbers during the standard survey included Bowfin, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch. In addition to the standard survey work, IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) sampling using backpack electrofishing and seining was conducted in 2024 to more broadly sample the general fish community and develop a fish-based index of overall lake health. Eight nearshore fish species were sampled during the IBI survey including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Central Mudminnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. It is important in a small lake like Hay to maintain good coarse woody habitat along shorelines. Trees that fall into the water are an integral component of the aquatic ecosystem. When trees do fall into the water, please leave them be, or if they fall in an inconvenient location, move them out of the way rather than removing them. This coarse woody material is of great benefit to Yellow Perch and Panfish, as it provides them refuge and spawning habitat, in addition to habitat for important prey items such as invertebrates.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch in Hay. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Hay. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Hay has a maximum depth of 32 feet and a mean depth of 14 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Hay is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Hay in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.