Hay Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Canisteo. DNR lake ID 31040700.
Hay Lake is a 56.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Canisteo. Its deepest point reaches 40 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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 | 31040700 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Canisteo |
| Surface area | 56.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 40 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.1 ft through 2017 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2017: clarity 13.1 ft, phosphorus 10.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Hay Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Hay Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2012 (14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 10.0 | 2.7 to 9.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.25 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 1.0 to 4.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.5 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 2.0 | 2.9 to 41.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.4 to 2.0 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2012), Northern pike 34.0 in (2012).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin.
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Island Lake 0.4 mi, Itasca County
- Spring Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Bosley Lake 2.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Wabana Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Charlotte Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Clearwater Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Big Rainbarrel Lake 3.1 mi, Itasca County
- Bluewater Lake 3.4 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Hay Lake
How deep is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake reaches a maximum depth of 40 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hay Lake?
Hay Lake covers about 56.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hay Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hay Lake averages 13.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2017. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
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 northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin in Hay Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2012.
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?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.1 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 Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2012), 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.