Pelican Lake

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 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 a productive, moderately-sized (519-acre) lake located just north of Lake Minnewaska in central Pope County. Maximum depth of the basin is 34 feet. Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Due to a large watershed area and nutrient enrichment, water quality can be seasonally impaired during summer months by algae blooms. A public access is located on the northeast side of the lake just off North Pelican Lake Road. Bluegill have been very abundant in past surveys but are currently more moderate (34.1/trap net) for Pelican Lake, which is still abundant when compared to similar lakes. There is currently a very large year class of young (age 2) fish which account for 58% of the Bluegill sampled. However, seven year classes were sampled, with the oldest being age 8. Growth is fast. There has been an increase in the proportion of larger fish compared to previous surveys. Between both gears (gill and trap nets) there were a good number (14%) of Bluegill over 8 inches. Similar to past surveys, few Black crappie were sampled (1.6/trap net). Of the few fish sampled, most were age 2 and therefore small but the largest fish sampled was almost 12 inches. Average length of crappies was 8 inches. Walleye abundance (3.3/gill net) was down from the 2016 high (8.7/gill net) but similar to the long term average (3.8/gill net). Walleye ranged from 9 to 23 inches, with a mean of 17 inches. Growth is fast. Largemouth Bass abundance (90/hour of electrofishing) was the highest observed so far. Most fish were between 13 and 16 inches, and the largest fish sampled was over 19 inches. There appears to be strong reproduction with many 7 to 8 inch fish present. Northern Pike density (7.6/gill net) was down and size structure has improved slightly from previous surveys. Forty-four percent of pike were within the protected slot, which should help to improve the size structure in the coming years. In addition, 22% were over 26 inches, with the largest being almost 35 inches. Anglers are encouraged to harvest small Northern Pike. New Northern Pike regulations were implemented in 2018 to increase size structure. Pelican Lake is in the North-Central Zone, where all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released. Anglers can keep 10 pike, but not more than two can be longer than 26 inches. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one pike may be between 22 and 26 inches, or two larger than 26 inches. For more information see: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pike/index.html. Yellow Perch remain abundant (25.3/gill net) even though they have been quite variable. Most fish were young and therefore small, so few fish were at sizes that would be of interest to anglers. Contrary to most lakes in our area, Black Bullhead (53.1/gill net) continue to be abundant. Both species should provide adequate forage to predator species. Other species sampled include Bowfin (Dogfish), Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Pelican Lake?

Are there any state parks near Pelican Lake?