The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bay Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota · about 2,210 acres (3.5 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Bay Lake
Bay Lake spreads over about 2,210 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
It stretches about 3.5 miles end to end with roughly 19 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,260 ft above sea level. Crosby lies about 6.6 miles to the northwest. The closest city is Saint Cloud, about 57 miles away.
- Size
- About 2,210 acres (3.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 19 miles
- End to end
- About 3.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,260 ft
- County
- Crow Wing County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Minnesota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 45°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:14 am · sunset 4:44 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bay Lake
- Crosbyabout 6.6 mi northwest
- Aitkinabout 10 mi northeast
- Vinelandabout 14 mi south
- Brainerdabout 16 mi west
- Saint Cloudnearest city, about 57 mi south
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Questions about Bay Lake
What fish are in Bay Lake?
Lakes like Bay Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bay Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Bay Lake?
About 2,210 acres, with about 19 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bay Lake?
Crosby is about 6.6 miles northwest; Aitkin is about 10 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Bay Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bay Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
