Pelican Lake

How big is Pelican Lake?

How deep is Pelican Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pelican Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Pelican Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Pelican Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Pelican Lake

Are there boat launches on Pelican Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pelican Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Pelican Lake?

Pelican Lake is located in northwestern Otter Tail County approximately seven miles north of Pelican Rapids, MN. Pelican Lake is a 3,986-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake that is located within the Otter Tail River Watershed. The southern portion of the lake (309 acres) is referred to as Fish Lake. Pelican Lake is connected to Little Pelican Lake and Lake Lizzie via the Pelican River. The Pelican River inlet is located along the east shoreline of the lake while the outlet is located along the south shoreline of Fish Lake. The Pelican River is navigable by boat upstream to Little Pelican Lake. A dam at the outlet impedes navigability downstream to Lake Lizzie. The maximum depth of Pelican Lake is 55 feet; however, 41% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. Historic secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.4 to 13.0 feet.
The shoreline of Pelican Lake has been extensively developed. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the majority of the development. DNR owned concrete public water accesses are located along the east and southwest shorelines of the lake. Pelican Lake is listed as a designated infested water. Zebra Mussels were discovered in Pelican Lake in September 2009. Remnant stands of hardstem bulrush and wild rice are scattered along various shorelines of the lake. A large stand of hardstem bulrush is located along the north shoreline of the entrance into Fish Lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and wild rice provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Pelican Lake is a popular angling lake during both the open water and ice fishing seasons. The lake is best known for its excellent Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bluegill fishing. Data from the population assessment indicate that these species are abundant. Pelican Lake is also becoming renowned as a trophy Muskellunge lake.
Walleye is a primary management specie in this lake. Walleye abundance has exceeded the long range goal in each of the six most recent surveys. The 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013 year classes appear to be strong and should provide consistently good Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes ranged in length from 9.9 to 28.5 inches with an average length and weight of 16.2 inches and 1.6 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.8 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike population characteristics have demonstrated stability over the recent series of assessments. The pike population has remained at a moderate density since the 1983 survey and natural reproduction has continued to be consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 13.5 to 32.1 inches with an average length of 22.8 inches. Pike attain an average length of 22.8 inches at four years of age.
The Muskellunge population can be characterized as a trophy fishery; a low-density population with fish of quality size. Muskellunge sampled via large-frame trap nets ranged in length from 25.2 to 51.7 inches with a mean length of 43.6 inches. Muskellunge sampled via spring electrofishing ranged in length from 34.0 to 50.0 inches with a mean length of 44.6 inches. The DNR will continue to manage Pelican Lake as a trophy Muskellunge fishery.
Bluegill abundance has fluctuated over the recent series of assessments. Bluegill size structure appears to be good. Twenty-four percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.8 inches at five years of age.
Catch data from a spring trapnetting assessment indicate that the Black Crappie population is very abundant with an excellent size structure. Forty-seven percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 or greater in length. Black Crappies attain a mean length of 9.8 inches at four years of age.
A low-density Smallmouth Bass population exists in Pelican Lake. Smallmouth Bass test-net catch rates have historically been low. Suitable spawning habitat and/or juvenile nursery areas may be factors limiting Smallmouth Bass abundance.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for Pelican Lake?

Are there any state parks near Pelican Lake?