Hay

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Hay Lake on August 1, 2024 , to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 19.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 18.7 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 22.2 degrees C (76.1 degrees F). TDO3 values above 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2006-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate marginal oxythermal habitat in most years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Hay Lake on August 1, 2024 , to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 19.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 18.7 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 22.2 degrees C (76.1 degrees F). TDO3 values above 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2006-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate marginal oxythermal habitat in most years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Hay Lake on August 1, 2024 , to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 19.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 18.7 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 22.2 degrees C (76.1 degrees F). TDO3 values above 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2006-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate marginal oxythermal habitat in most years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Rock Bass 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 56 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.

No — Hay has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.