(4)Today's Best Fishing Times
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The lake is popular for fishing, particularly for walleye, northern pike, and bass. It is also a popular spot for boating, water skiing, and other water-based activities. The shoreline is lined with vacation homes, resorts, and campgrounds, making it a popular destination for tourists and vacationers.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Pelican Lake is also an important ecological resource. The lake is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including eagles, loons, and ospreys. It is also an important spawning ground for fish species such as walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass.
Overall, Pelican Lake is a beautiful and vibrant natural resource in northern Minnesota, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities and ecological significance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pelican Lake, MN
- How big is Pelican Lake?
- How deep is Pelican Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Pelican Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Pelican Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Pelican Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Pelican Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Pelican Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Pelican Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Pelican Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Pelican Lake?
How big is Pelican Lake?
How deep is Pelican Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Pelican Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Sand Shiner, Silver Redhorse, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Pelican Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Pelican Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Pelican Lake?
Are there boat launches on Pelican Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Pelican Lake?
Explore the Pelican Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
Outbound Xtreme x58 off-road capable teardrop camper with rooftop Tent
Crosby, MN
2015 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite - Lots of beds/slide out/easy to drive!
Brainerd, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Pelican Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Pelican Lake , at 8,253 acres, is one of the largest and most popular lakes in the Brainerd area. The lake is heavily developed along most of its shoreline. There are four public accesses and a public swimming beach that provide recreational opportunities. The maximum depth is 104 feet and about 47% of the lake is 15 feet deep or less. Shallow water substrates consist primarily of sand, although areas of gravel, rubble, marl and silt are also common. The aquatic plant community is quite diverse, and with 38 species present, is critical to maintaining healthy fish populations. Emergent plants such as bulrush are important for shoreline protection, maintaining water quality and they provide essential spawning habitat for bass and panfish species. Submerged plants provide food and cover needed by fish and other aquatic species.
Walleye fry are stocked annually into Pelican Lake (3.9 million) and combined with natural reproduction provide abundant young fish sampled by fall electrofishing. Gill net numbers were average for this type of lake in 2014 (4.9/net). Average size was good at 17.3" and 84% of the fish measured 12" or larger.
Largemouth bass numbers were down from previous electrofishing surveys, but still appeared plenty abundant at 67.5/hr. Average length was small at 10.2" and 29% were 12" or larger, with largest measuring 18.5".
Northern pike numbers were near 3/gill net, which is preferable to higher catches since Pelican is managed primarily for walleyes. Average length was 22.4" with 22% measuring 24" or larger.
Panfish numbers were average for this type of lake, but getting enough fish of quality size might be a challenge. Bluegill were caught at the rate of 18.1/trap net, but average size was 5.9", with only 14% measuring 7" or larger. Black crappies were caught at the rate of 1/trap net and 1.1/gill net, with 64% measuring 8" or larger.
Pelican Lake anglers and boaters should be aware that zebra mussels are present in the lake. Before and after launching lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.
What is the average air temp for Pelican Lake?
Are there any state parks near Pelican Lake?
Crow Wing State Forest
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Pillsbury State Forest
Crow Wing State Park
Pelican Lake Reviews
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Pelican Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Young Lake | 2.1 mi | 67 | 21 ft |
| Little Pelican Lake | 2.1 mi | 271 | 34 ft |
| East Twin Lake | 2.3 mi | 28 | 28 ft |
| Markee Lake | 2.3 mi | 104 | 33 ft |
| Lougee Lake | 2.4 mi | 212 | 53 ft |
| Bonnie Lake | 2.7 mi | 76 | 42 ft |
| Horseshoe Lake | 2.9 mi | 922 | 56 ft |
| Bass Lake | 3.4 mi | 294 | 24 ft |
| Upper Cullen Lake | 3.9 mi | 435 | 40 ft |
| Little Bass Lake | 4.2 mi | 95 | 49 ft |
