Upper Hay Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. DNR lake ID 18041200.
Upper Hay Lake is a 595.7-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Upper 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 | 18041200 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Jenkins |
| Surface area | 595.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 35% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 26.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 9.8 ft, phosphorus 26.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Upper Hay Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Upper Hay Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 22.67 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.0 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.22 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2022), Walleye 21.0 in (2022), Northern pike 27.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
- Upper Hay Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 0.5 mile E of Jenkins on Co Rd 145, then 0.25 mile S, then 0.75 mile E on Upper Hay Lk Rd. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Nelson Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Island Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Hay Lake 2.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bertha Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clear Lake 3.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Sibley Lake 3.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clamshell Lake 3.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Grass Lake 3.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Upper Hay Lake
How deep is Upper Hay Lake?
Upper Hay Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Upper Hay Lake?
Upper Hay Lake covers about 595.7 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Upper Hay Lake?
Summer water clarity on Upper Hay Lake averages 9.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Upper Hay Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Upper Hay Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Upper Hay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Upper Hay Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Upper Hay Lake?
Upper Hay Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Upper Hay Lake.
How is the walleye population on Upper Hay Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1997 to 2020, walleye numbers on Upper Hay Lake ran mostly within 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 Upper Hay Lake?
Homes on Upper 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 Upper Hay Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Upper Hay Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 35% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper Hay Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Upper Hay Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Upper Hay Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), 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.