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Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Lake, MN
- How big is Bay Lake?
- How deep is Bay Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Bay Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Bay Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Bay Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Bay Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Bay Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Bay Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Bay Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Bay Lake?
How big is Bay Lake?
How deep is Bay Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Bay Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Bay Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Bay Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Bay Lake?
Are there boat launches on Bay Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Bay Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Bay Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Bay Lake is a popular 2,392 acre lake located five miles south of Deerwood in Crow Wing County. Development is heavy on its 24.3 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 74 feet, with 42% of the lake 15 feet deep or less. A public access is located on the west shore of the northwest bay. Bay Lake has substantial recreational boating activity, especially on weekends and holidays. Three islands are present. Church Island is protected from future development through a conservation easement AMA (aquatic management area).
Walleye are currently stocked annually as fry. A variety of walleye stocking strategies have been tried in Bay Lake since 1967, including fry and various rates of walleye fingerlings. However, none of these have been successful in creating more than a low-level walleye population. The 2014 walleye catch of 1.6/ gillnet remains below average for the lake class, but is typical of past catches on Bay Lake. The average size was quite nice at 19.9 inches and 3 lbs. Walleye numbers seem to be kept low by the high abundance of northern pike, and the low number of yellow perch.
The northern pike catch of 19.6/gillnet was extremely high, and the highest catch to date. Average size was small at 17.9 inches and 1.3 lbs. A few larger northern pike were present with 5% of the catch 24 inches or larger. On all lakes it is important to practice catch and release of these larger northern pike, as they help to control the population of smaller northern pike. This is especially true on Bay Lake. Two year classes (2011 and 2012) made up 82% of the total catch.
Largemouth bass were sampled by a spring electrofishing survey. Largemouth were captured at a rate of 100.3/hr of run time. Average length was 12.0 inches, with 58% measuring 12 inches or larger.
The black crappie gillnet catch of 1.2/net was above average. Average length was 9.7 inches. The trapnet black crappie catch of 1.6/net was average, with an average length of 9.0 inches. For both gears combined, 74% of black crappies measured at least 8 inches in length with fish up to 12.4 inches captured. The bluegill catch of 12.3/trapnet was the lowest catch to date. The average length was 6.9 inches, with 57% of the catch 7 inches or larger.
Bay Lake is designated as an infested water because of Eurasian watermilfoil. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as remove the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.
What is the average air temp for Bay Lake?
Are there any state parks near Bay Lake?
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Crow Wing State Forest
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Crow Wing State Park
Father Hennepin State Park
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Bay Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Maple Lake | 1.8 mi | 60 | 23 ft |
| Knieff Lake | 2.0 mi | 44 | 42 ft |
| Long / Tame Fish Lake | 2.1 mi | 127 | 58 ft |
| Partridge Lake | 2.4 mi | 188 | 42 ft |
| Crooked Lake | 2.5 mi | 457 | 72 ft |
| Turtle Lake | 2.7 mi | 108 | 33 ft |
| Hanks Lake | 3.1 mi | 165 | 45 ft |
| Clearwater Lake | 3.1 mi | 900 | 54 ft |
| Placid Lake | 3.4 mi | 183 | 39 ft |
| Shirt Lake | 3.4 mi | 231 | 38 ft |
