Hay Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11019900.
Hay Lake is a 363.7-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 56 ft, and about 49% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Hay Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11019900 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 363.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 56 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 49% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.4 ft through 2023 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2023: clarity 14.4 ft, phosphorus 19.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Hay Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Hay Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.56 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 2.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 7.0 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.11 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2019), Northern pike 18.0 in (2019), Walleye 19.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Hay Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 8 mi E of Backus on Hwy 87, 2.5 mi E on Co Rd 49, 1.5 mi N Ponto Lake Twp Rd. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Tamarack Lake 1.7 mi, Cass County
- Hand Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Two Lake 2.3 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- One Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- Ponto Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
- Blackwater Lake 2.9 mi, Cass County
- Louise Lake 3.0 mi, Cass County
Questions about Hay Lake
How deep is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake reaches a maximum depth of 56 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 49% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake covers about 363.7 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hay Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hay Lake averages 14.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2023. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Hay Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Hay Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Hay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Hay Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Hay Lake?
Hay Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Hay Lake.
How is the walleye population on Hay Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Hay Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Hay Lake?
Homes on Hay Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Hay Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hay Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 49% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hay Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hay Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hay Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.