Fifteen

Lake Fifteen is a 133-acre, class 34 lake in southeastern Clay County. It is within the Buffalo River Watershed District. The lake's maximum depth is approximately 24 feet and has a history of infrequent winterkills. There is a DNR maintained public access on the north shore. In June 2024, the fish community was assessed with night electrofishing, six gill nets, and nine trap nets. Northern Pike have been historically abundant in Lake Fifteen, and this was also the case in 2024. Pike had an average length of just over 21 inches, with the largest measuring 37 inches. Unlike Northern Pike, Walleye abundance in Lake Fifteen has been historically low, despite consistent stocking of Walleye fry. Only three Walleyes were caught during the survey in 2024. Those captured had an average length of 21 inches, and a maximum length of 25 inches. Bluegill abundance was lower than past surveys, with fish averaging 5.5 inches long. Although fish up to 8 inches were measured, most Bluegill were less than 7.5 inches long. This survey was the first time night electrofishing for Largemouth Bass was completed in Lake Fifteen. The average length of Largemouth Bass sampled was 13 inches. The largest Bass captured was just over 20 inches. Crappie abundance was lower than past surveys. Crappie ranged in size from 7 to 9 inches long and had an average length of 8 inches. Yellow Perch abundance was also low, with the largest fish measuring just under 7 inches long. Bullhead abundance remained low, with both Black and Brown Bullheads being present. Other species observed included hybrid sunfish, and Pumpkinseed.

Lake Fifteen is a 133-acre, class 34 lake in southeastern Clay County. It is within the Buffalo River Watershed District. The lake's maximum depth is approximately 24 feet, and has a history of infrequent winterkills. There is a DNR maintained public access on the north shore. The fish community was assessed in June 2019 using six gill nets and nine trap nets. Northern Pike have been historically abundant in Lake Fifteen, and this was also the case in 2019. Pike size was respectable, with the average length of measured fish found to be just over 24 inches. Unlike Northern Pike, Walleye abundance in Lake Fifteen has been historically low. Only five Walleyes were caught during the survey in 2019. Those sampled had an average length of 21.8 inches, and a maximum length of 25.1 inches. Bluegill abundance was similar to past surveys, with fish averaging 5.9 inches long. Although fish up to 8.5 inches were measured, most Bluegill were less than 7.5 inches long. Compared to previous surveys, crappies and bass were relatively abundant in 2019. The average length of Largemouth Bass sampled was 8.8 inches. Crappies ranged in size from 7.1 to 11.3 inches long, and had an average length of 8.7 inches. Yellow Perch abundance was low, with the largest fish measuring only 7.3 inches long. Bullhead abundance was low, with both Black and Brown Bullheads present. Other species sampled included Golden Shiner, hybird sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker. Snapping and painted turtles were also observed.

A Targeted Survey was completed on Lake Fifteen on June 25th, 2018 to assess the near-shore fish population. This data will be analyzed in conjunction with the standard survey that will be completed in 2019 to provide a complete assessment of the fish community that will be used to evaluate the biological condition of Lake Fifteen, and contribute to the assessment of the watershed. Ten sites within Lake Fifteen were sampled during this survey, using a backpack electrofishing unit and seines. Dense vegetation, soft substrate, and woody habitat resulted in difficult sampling conditions at some stations. Species sampled during this assessment were Banded Killifish, Black Bullhead, Blacknose Shiner, Blackchin Shiner, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. Some species intolerant of poor habitat conditions were found. The results of this survey suggest that the fish population in Lake Fifteen meets expectations for lakes of similar characteristics, and the lake is likely not biologically impaired.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, and Green Sunfish in Fifteen. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Fifteen. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Fifteen has a maximum depth of 24 feet and a mean depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Fifteen is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Fifteen in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.