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Frequently Asked Questions About Hayes Lake, MN
- How big is Hayes Lake?
- How deep is Hayes Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Hayes Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Hayes Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Hayes Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Hayes Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Hayes Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Hayes Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Hayes Lake?
How big is Hayes Lake?
How deep is Hayes Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Hayes Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Johnny Darter, Shorthead Redhorse, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Hayes Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Hayes Lake?
Are there boat launches on Hayes Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Hayes Lake?
Explore the Hayes Lake area in a RV
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LUXURY SILVER BULLET: 2019 AIRSTREAM Interstate 24GT LUXURY Amenities
Roseau, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Located entirely within Hayes Lake State Park, Hayes Lake is a 180-acre impoundment on the south branch of the Roseau River. The lake is located 18 miles southeast of the Roseau. The undeveloped shoreline of Hayes Lake provides visitors plenty of shoreline angling opportunity in many of the small bays and points. The lake has numerous amenities including a swimming beach, fishing cleaning shack, camping, two fishing piers, a single-lane concrete boat ramp, and canoe rentals. Canoe access is available as carry-in located near the campground and rental can be arranged through the park. No outboard motors are allowed on Hayes Lake and boaters must utilize a paddle or electric trolling motor. A Minnesota state park pass is needed to access Hayes Lake. A fishing license is no longer needed to fish Hayes Lake. All other statewide fishing regulations for inland waters apply.
Hayes Lake has a maximum depth of 28 feet and stratifies during warm summer months. Primary fisheries management is for Largemouth Bass and Bluegill is managed as a secondary species. Installation of a hypolimnetic draw-down tube in the 1980s has reduced winterkill events in Hayes Lake and since 1993, the fish community in Hayes Lake has maintained itself by natural reproduction. In addition, a quality fishery exists below Hayes Lake in the Roseau River.
Largemouth Bass night electrofishing catch rates have varied from 9 fish/hour to 19 fish/hour since 1996. In 2014, catch rates were just above 11 fish/hour with fish ranging from 6.7 inches to 22 inches with an average length of 13 inches. Average weight of Largemouth Bass is just below two pounds (1.74 pounds). Seventy percent of the population sampled in 2014 during night electrofishing were longer than 12 inches, relative to the number of fish greater than or equal to 8 inches. The Largemouth Bass population in Hayes Lake is healthy and has individuals weighing over 6 pounds. Hayes Lake provides anglers the opportunity to catch memorable-sized Largemouth Bass (over 20 inches). To protect the quality size structure of Largemouth Bass in Hayes Lake, catch and release is strongly encouraged.
Bluegill in Hayes Lake is characterized as having low to moderate abundance with good growth rates. Based on spring trap netting, size distribution of Bluegill is made up of larger individuals (up to 10 inches). To protect the quality size structure of Bluegill in Hayes Lake, selective harvest is encouraged.
Northern Pike are also a popular game fish in Hayes Lake. Northern Pike are abundant in Hayes Lake and the average length is between 20-24 inches weighing 2-3 pounds. A 37 inch pike was sampled in 2014, suggesting 40 inch fish may inhabit the lake. Overall, Hayes Lake contains a healthy Northern Pike population and should provide anglers a great fishing opportunity.
Other panfish inhabiting Hayes Lake includes Black Crappie, Pumkinseed, and Yellow Perch. Black Crappie abundance in Hayes Lake is low; however, trap net catch rates were higher than in the previous two surveys. Black Crappie length ranged from 5 inches to 12 inches in the 2014 survey. The average length of Black Crappie sampled with trap nets was between 6 to 7 inches for both trap nets and gill nets. Pumkinseed abundance is also low, but the average size has increased from 4 inches in 2009 to 6 inches in 2014. The largest Pumkinseed sampled was just below 8 inches in length. Yellow Perch gill net catches and average length decreased from 2009. Average length of Yellow Perch sampled with gill nets and trap nets was between 6 to 7 inches. The largest Yellow Perch sampled in 2014 was just below10 inches. Black Crappie, Pumkinseed, and Yellow Perch are in low abundance in Hayes Lake, but quality-sized fish inhabit the lake and should provide anglers plenty of fishing opportunity.
What is the average air temp for Hayes Lake?
Are there any state parks near Hayes Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
