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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?
- What are the closest cities to 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, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to 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.
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 is a productive, moderately-sized (519-acre) basin located just north of Lake Minnewaska in central Pope County. A portion of the east shoreline is delineated as the northwest city limit of Long Beach. Maximum depth of the basin is 34.0 feet. Fisheries productivity is enhanced by the expanded littoral area. Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 15.0 feet deep. Due to a large watershed area and nutrient enrichment, water quality can be seasonally impaired during summer months by frequent and occasionally severe algae blooms. Aquatic vegetation is common and can become dense in shallow bays. A public access is located on the northeast side of the lake just off North Pelican Lake Road.
A standardized fisheries survey was completed June 20-23, 2016. A combination of nine gill nets and nine trap nets were used to assess fish community structure and estimate relative abundance of gamefishes. Due to greater effectiveness of springtime electrofishing sampling of Largemouth Bass, bass were surveyed earlier in the year (May 25).
Bluegill and Largemouth Bass catch rates characterize these gamefishes as moderately abundant. Bluegill trap net catches averaged 24.7 fish/net. Those captures averaged 5.2 inches in total length. The largest Bluegill measured during the survey was 9.4 inches. Bass captures during the electrofishing survey ranged from 2.4 to 18.5 inches in length. Black Crappie capture rates were modest in both trap nets and gill nets. Crappies captured in trap nets averaged 9.3 inches. The largest crappie captured measured 12.6 inches in length. Walleye catch rates (8.7 fish/gill net) are moderately high. Average size was 15.8 inches and 1.6 pounds. Pelican Lake supports good numbers of large Walleyes. Approximately 24% of Walleyes captured in gill nets exceeded 20.0 inches in length. Two captures exceeded 25.0 inches. Biennial fingerling stockings, seasonal fish movements from Lake Minnewaska, and some natural reproduction sustain the Pelican Lake Walleye fishery. Northern Pike catches were exceptionally high during the 2016 survey (21.1 fish/gill net). Catches in gill nets averaged 20.2 inches in length. The largest pike caught measured 33.0 inches. Due to high numbers of young and small pike (14.0-21.0 inches) anglers are encouraged to harvest this surplus of fish. Catch of Yellow Perch (12.0 fish/gill net) declined relative to past surveys. Declines may be related to increases in pike numbers. Few perch measured during the survey were large enough to be harvested. Only five perch captured were 8.0 inches or larger. One Channel Catfish was collected in the 2016 survey. The individual likely entered Pelican Lake through a stream connection with Lake Minnewaska.
Pelican Lake is not currently known to be infested with aquatic invasive species now common to Lake Minnewaska, namely zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Anglers are reminded to drain boats and equipment prior to moving between bodies of water to minimize the risk of transferring aquatic invasive species to this or other lakes.
What is the average air temp for Pelican Lake?
Are there any state parks near Pelican Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Pelican Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lake Minnewaska | 1.5 mi | 8,050 | 32 ft |
| Strandness Lake | 3.1 mi | 92 | 5 ft |
| Ann Lake | 4.0 mi | 370 | 14 ft |
| Malmedal Lake | 4.1 mi | 199 | 10 ft |
| Lake Reno | 7.0 mi | 3,794 | 23 ft |
| Signalness Lake | 7.9 mi | 41 | 14 ft |
| Nelson Lake | 8.3 mi | 293 | 15 ft |
| Amelia Lake | 8.5 mi | 934 | 69 ft |
| Villard Lake | 9.2 mi | 544 | 16 ft |
| Turtle Lake | 9.4 mi | 218 | 21 ft |
