Five

Lake Five (Bland Lake) is a 44-acre lake located in Kanabec County. The lake is primarily suited for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Black Crappie. Bluegill and Yellow Perch are also present. To assess fish populations, a survey was conducted using trap and gill nets in June 2023. The Northern Pike gill net catch was 6 fish, resulting in a catch rate of 2.0 fish per net. This catch was below the long-term average of 3.3 fish per net. The average length of pike in gill nets was 22.5 inches, while lengths ranged from 19.6 to 28.4 inches. Two pike were caught in trap nets and had an average length of 25.0 inches. Four of the pike sampled in gill nets were aged, two were age-3 and two were age-4. Based on the trap net catch of Black Crappie, the population appears high. The catch rate was 4.5 per net, with a total catch of 36 fish. The average size was 8.6 inches with lengths that ranged from 4.2 to 12.8 inches. Trap nets were used to evaluate Bluegill number and size. The total catch was 97 for a catch rate of 12.1 per net. This was the lowest catch and catch rate of the last four assessments, indicating population numbers have declined. Bluegill sampled in trap nets ranged in length from 2.6 to 8.5 inches with most fish being 3 to 4 inches. The average length was 5.0 inches in 2023, which compares to the average length of 5.6 inches in 2011. Largemouth Bass were not targeted with electrofishing gear in this assessment, and only two were caught in nets, one in a gill net and one in a trap net. The last time Largemouth Bass were targeted with electrofishing gear was in 2006. At that time the population looked balanced with an even distribution of size classes up to 20 inches. Overall, the fishing on Lake Five for many species can be good. There are good numbers of Black Crappie and average numbers of Bluegill, although Bluegill are relatively small at this time. Northern Pike numbers are currently below the long-term average, but pike have a respectable average size. Largemouth Bass are also present, although their current status is unknown.

Lake Five, also called Bland Lake, is a small lake low in fertility and alkalinity. Moderate fishing pressure is directed at largemouth bass and bluegill, although some harvestable sized northern pike are present. Black crappie numbers appeared low in the sampling, but anglers do target them winter and summer. Bluegill were abundant in trap nets, with quality sized bluegill up to 9 inches present. However, growth is slow; 7 year old bluegills averaged less than 7 inches at capture. Crappie and bluegill average sizes could be easily impacted by increases in angler harvest. Sampling by night electrofishing in late May revealed good numbers of largemouth bass for a lake this size. The mean length was over 12 inches; one 19 inch bass was sampled. Only 3 walleye were sampled in this survey, all from the 2009 stocking. Walleye fingerlings were stocked from 2004-2009, but stocking was discontinued due to the lake's marginal capacity to support walleye. The lake is bordered to the south and south west by a wildlife management area which includes an earthen public access with parking for five vehicles. The road leading to the access can be rough and is accessible only by snowmobile or ATV in winter.

The northern pike gillnet catch was lower than past surveys with a rate of 2 per net. This catch rate is considered low compared to other lakes with similar physical and chemical characteristics. Northern size was typical of the lake class but a pound smaller than the 2001 average of 3.1 pounds. The six northerns ranged in length from 16.9 to 27.2 inches with a 20.9 inch mean. One yellow perch was netted, yielding a catch rate of 0.3 per gillnet. The rate was below the lake class norm and lower than past surveys catches. Bluegill sunfish were sampled at a normal level by the trap nets (13/net) after exceeding 31 per set in 2001. Lengths ranged from 3.1 to 7.3 inches with an average of only 4.9 inches. Black crappie abundance has historically been low. Eighteen crappies were sampled during the survey, up from 2 in 2001. While the crappie catch rate, 2/net, fell in the normal range, average size was below the 25th percentile for the lake class. Black crappie ranged from 3.8 to 8.7 inches with a 6.6 inch average. Largemouth bass were electrofished May 15th. Fifty six minutes of shocking sampled 44 bass, for a catch rate of 58.7 per hour. Though down from the 2001 catch, the rate is still indicative of a moderately high bass population, especially considering the lakes low fertility. Sampled bass ranged from 6.4 to 21.4 inches with a 12.6 inch and 1.2 pound average, a moderate increase compared to the 2001 average. The 2001 year class dominated the catch, representing 25% of the sample. Bass grew well, likely due to the susceptibility of the bluegill population to bass predation. Compared to the previous sample, overall fish abundance and quality has decreased on Lake Five. The 2001 survey listed fishing pressure as moderate. Angler harvest could easily impact the fishery due to the lakes small size, 42 acres

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch in Five. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Five has a maximum depth of 32 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Five is from 2023.

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