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Hay Lake

Bayfield County · river-fed, with current

60Acres
21ftMax depth
6ftAverage depth
0Public launches
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Today on Hay

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Hay is best for

DNR data
Northern pikeAbundant7.8
LargemouthCommon6.3
BluegillPanfish, present3.8
PerchPanfish, present3.8
CrappiePanfish, present3.8
How we rate

Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.

Depth map

Wisconsin DNR

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 21 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 25 a dayOpen All YearOpen
SturgeonNo fishingClosed
LicenseWisconsin fishing license. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here. How to buy one →
Full rules from the DNR

Launches & access

0 public
    Nearest bait shopSouthside Bait & Tackle68255 Co Hwy H, Iron River, WI 54847 · (715) 372-594311.8 mi · about 16 min drive · Directions
    Bottommuck 98% · sand 2%
    Lake groupDelta Area Lakes Association

    Before you go

    DNR
    How often it's safe to eat

    This is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.

    Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch

    Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes

    Up to 1 meal a month Muskies

    Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR details

    Reviews

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    Near Hay

    Local deals

    Local bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business

    Hay board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Hay

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Lake DeltaBayfield0.618030 ft
    Basswood LakeBayfield1.71199 ft
    Finger LakeBayfield2.57625 ft
    Hildur LakeBayfield2.66766 ft
    Bass LakeBayfield2.87643 ft
    Bellevue LakeBayfield3.26545 ft
    Crooked LakeBayfield3.49334 ft
    Eagle LakeBayfield3.617052 ft

    Hay questions

    How deep is Hay Lake?

    Hay Lake is 21 feet at its deepest, and 6 feet deep on average. It covers 60 acres.

    What fish are in Hay Lake?

    The Wisconsin DNR lists northern pike (abundant), largemouth bass (common) and panfish (present).

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Hay Lake?

    A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.

    What is the walleye limit on Hay Lake?

    15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

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    Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.