Fishing Lake Fifteen in Clay County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Set in Clay County, Minnesota, this is Lake Fifteen. The bank is 1,319 feet above sea level. Roughly 145 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The bank runs about 2.2 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Size puts it in the front rank of our Clay County list. The closest town, Hawley, is 8.9 miles away. Barnesville lies 12 miles off, Pelican Rapids another 15 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Lake Fifteen

  Charted depth runs to roughly 23 feet at its lowest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Clay County records list bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and northern pike among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. At Lake Fifteen light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 69°F and January near 5°F on the long-run figures. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. That is the shape of the year on Lake Fifteen.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Lake Ten, 0.7 miles away. Rules at Lake Fifteen are worth checking on the day.