Upper Hay

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Upper Hay Lake was conducted on June 27-29, 2022, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program 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 fourteen sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample twelve stations and a 15-foot seine was used at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured twenty species of fish including five species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, Mimic Shiner, and Rock Bass) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured ten species of fish, including one that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Rock Bass). Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bowfin comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from an August 2020 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (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., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). 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 indicate that the fish community in Upper Hay Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. These results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Pine River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Upper Hay Lake was conducted beginning on August 19th, 2020 by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program 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 14 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 12 stations and a 15-foot seine was used at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured 26 species of fish including eight species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Logperch, Mimic Shiner, Mottled Sculpin, and Rock Bass) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from an August 2020 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (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. Iowa Darter, Logperch, Mottled Sculpin), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g. Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). 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. Data from this survey indicates Upper Hay Lake is in good health as indicated by an exceptionally high FIBI score, well above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Pine River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Upper Hay is a 581 acre lake located one mile east of Jenkins in northern Crow Wing County. It reaches depths of 42', with 36% shallower than 15' deep. Extensive bulrush beds are located around the lake. Protecting aquatic vegetation, especially emergent vegetation, is important because it provides critical spawning habitat for fish as well as habitat for other aquatic life, and is essential to maintain good water quality. Walleyes are stocked annually as fry into Upper Hay (184,000 fry/year). The Walleye gill net catch of 3.4 was average when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 16.7", with Walleyes up to 28.5" sampled. Northern Pike were also sampled in average numbers at 3.4/gill net. Most ran on the small size, with an average length of 19.0". Northern Pike in the protected 22-26" made up 13% of the catch, with 3% at least 26" in length. Lakes in this part of the state have a new Northern Pike regulation enacted in 2018: possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information. Panfish are a popular target for anglers on Upper Hay. Black Crappies were sampled in average numbers in both gill and trap nets. Average length was 8.9" in gill nets and 7.3" in trap nets. For both gears combined, 47% measured at least 8" in length. Black Crappies up to 12.2" were sampled. Bluegills were sampled in average numbers in trap nets. Most ran on the small side, with an average length of 4.9". Bluegills measuring at least 7" in length made up 7% of the catch. Zebra mussels are present in Upper Hay Lake. Before and after launching lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, and Green Sunfish in Upper Hay. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Upper Hay has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Upper Hay is from 2022.

Yes — Upper Hay has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.