Section Fifteen Lake near Grand Marais: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Section Fifteen Lake belongs to Cook County, Minnesota. It lies 1,611 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 15 acres — small enough to read in one session. On size it sits at the modest end of our Cook County list. The closest town, Grand Marais, is 10 miles distant. Neebing lies 41 miles off, Westfort another 54 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Section Fifteen Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Cook County cover white sucker, yellow perch, northern pike, rainbow trout and walleye. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Section Fifteen Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 63°F, the coldest about 6°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Break-up near late April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Section Fifteen Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A jetty or pier is mapped about half a mile from here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Trout Lake, 1.1 miles away. Where Section Fifteen Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.