Bay Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be extremely active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Bay Lake.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?
Explore the Bay Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
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. The lone public access located on the west shore of the northwest bay can get very crowded at times. 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 2021 Walleye catch of 1.1/gill net remains below average for this type of lake but is typical of past catches on Bay Lake. The average size was quite nice at 21.1". 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, although down from 19.6/gill net in the previous survey, was still high at 9.9/gill net. Efforts by the lake association and local anglers to encourage harvest of more abundant smaller Northern Pike coupled with the North Central zone regulation should help reduce overall pike numbers while improving size structure. Average size in 2021 was small at 19.2 inches and only 17% were above the 22-26" protected slot.
Largemouth Bass were sampled by night electrofishing at a rate of 64.1/hour, down from the 2014 rate of 100.3/hour. Average length was 12.7 inches, with 71% measuring 12 inches or larger.
Black Crappie numbers were average, with 47% measuring 8" or larger. Bluegill numbers, although average as well, were the lowest to date at 9.5/trap net. Average length was 6.0" and 42% of the fish were 7" or larger.
Bay Lake is designated as an infested water because of Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. 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 | |
| Loon Lake | 1.3 mi | 47 | |
| Coffee Lake | 1.7 mi | 20 | |
| Knieff Lake | 2.0 mi | 44 | 42 ft |
| Long / Tame Fish Lake | 2.1 mi | 127 | 58 ft |
| Bass Lake | 2.2 mi | 12 | |
| Goose Lake | 2.2 mi | 69 | |
| Birch Lake | 2.3 mi | 437 | |
| Partridge Lake | 2.4 mi | 188 | 42 ft |
| Little Spruce Lake | 2.5 mi | 32 | |
| Crooked Lake | 2.5 mi | 463 | 72 ft |
