What You'll Find at Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake is a 2,650-acre walleye and northern pike lake in Crow Wing County, about 15 minutes northeast of Brainerd. The lake runs deep in its center—over 100 feet in spots—but has shallow bays and weed lines that hold fish year-round. You're looking at a classic Minnesota hard-water lake: walleye dominate the structure, pike hunt the shallows, and panfish (bluegill, crappie, sunfish) school in predictable spots once you know where to look.

The lake has good public access through a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources boat launch on the north shore, plus several resorts and private landings if you're staying overnight. The character of Pelican is steady and reliable—not a trophy lake, but a place where consistent effort pays off with solid fish and a chance at something bigger.

Key Takeaways

  • Pelican Lake holds walleye year-round in deep structure and along weed edges, with spring and fall offering the most predictable bite.
  • The public boat launch is on the north shore; arrive early during weekends, as parking fills quickly in summer.
  • Pike fishing is best in shallow bays and around emergent vegetation, especially in spring and early summer.
  • A Minnesota fishing license is required; check current regulations for daily limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye and panfish is popular; the lake typically freezes solid by mid-December.

Spring Walleye Fishing (April Through May)

Spring is when Pelican Lake wakes up. Walleye move shallow to spawn in April and early May, and they're aggressive. Focus on the transition zones where deep water meets shallow bays—the north and east sides of the lake have good structure for this. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well in 8 to 15 feet of water. Early morning and late evening are prime, but spring walleye will bite throughout the day if you're on the right spot.

Water temperature matters more than time of day in spring. Once the lake reaches 45 to 50 degrees, the bite turns on. If you're new to the lake, start near the public launch and work the deeper edges of the nearby bays. The shoreline has some structure, but the real fish are usually 50 to 100 yards out.

Summer: Deep Structure and Night Bite

By June, walleye retreat to deeper water and tighter structure. The center of the lake—where depths exceed 60 feet—holds fish, but they're less aggressive in the heat. Trolling with crankbaits or live-bait rigs along the 30 to 50-foot contour can work, but many anglers switch to night fishing. Walleye move shallower after dark, especially around weed edges and rocky points.

If you're fishing during the day, vertical jigging over deep structure is your best bet. Drop a jig straight down, work it slowly, and be patient. Summer also brings pike into shallow bays early and late in the day. Throw large topwater plugs or soft plastics in the weeds—you might connect with a 30-inch fish if you're persistent.

Fall Transition and the Second Walleye Peak (September Through October)

Fall is arguably the best time to fish Pelican Lake. As water cools in September and October, walleye become active again and move back to shallower structure. The same shallow bays and weed edges that held fish in spring are productive again. Jigs and live minnows work, but so do crankbaits and soft plastics. The bite can last from first light through mid-morning, then slow, then pick up again in the evening.

Pike are also aggressive in fall, feeding hard before winter. Throw larger baits and lures—8 to 10-inch soft plastics, large spinners, or live shiners. The shallow bays on the north and east shores are your target. By late October, the water is cold enough that you can fish the shallows all day without the summer slowdown.

Winter Ice Fishing

Pelican Lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through February. Walleye and panfish are the main targets. Walleye congregate in deeper holes and along structure; set up in 25 to 40 feet of water and fish live minnows under a tip-up or jig vertically with a jigging spoon. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) school in shallower bays, usually 12 to 20 feet deep.

The lake has several resorts and access points that support ice fishing. Check ice thickness before you venture out—the DNR recommends at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles. Winter can be slow compared to spring and fall, but on the right day with the right conditions, you can catch steady fish.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a valid Minnesota fishing license to fish Pelican Lake. Licenses are available online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many resorts around Brainerd. Daily limits and size restrictions vary by species and change year to year, so check the current regulations before you fish.

Walleye typically have a 15-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit of six fish (check current rules). Northern pike have a 24-inch minimum and a limit of three fish. Panfish have no size limit but a daily limit of 25 fish combined. Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish longer without hitting limits.

Getting There and What to Bring

The public boat launch is on the north shore of Pelican Lake, accessible from County Road 11. From Brainerd, head north on Highway 371, then east on County Road 11. The launch has parking, a concrete ramp, and a small fee (varies by season). Arrive early on weekends—parking fills quickly in summer.

Bring a depth finder if you have one; it cuts the learning curve significantly. A good map of the lake (available from resorts or online) shows contours and structure. Dress for the season—Minnesota weather changes fast, and you'll be on the water. Life jackets are required by law. If you're new to the lake, consider hiring a guide for a day; local guides know the seasonal patterns and can teach you where to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Pelican Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the most consistent. Walleye are aggressive and move to shallower, easier-to-find structure. Summer can be good if you're willing to fish deep or at night. Winter ice fishing is popular but slower than other seasons.

Do I need a boat to fish Pelican Lake?

A boat gives you access to the best structure and deeper water, but shore fishing is possible around the public launch and from some resorts. Most productive walleye fishing requires getting 50 to 100 yards offshore, so a boat is worth the effort if you can rent or borrow one.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye average 15 to 18 inches, with fish in the 20-inch range possible. Northern pike run 18 to 28 inches commonly, with occasional larger fish. Panfish are typically 6 to 9 inches. Pelican is not a trophy lake, but it's consistent and fun.

Can I fish Pelican Lake in winter?

Yes. The lake freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through February. Ice fishing for walleye and panfish is popular. Check ice thickness before going out—the DNR recommends at least 4 inches for walking.

Where can I rent a boat or hire a guide?

Several resorts around Pelican Lake rent boats and offer guide services. Check with the Brainerd Convention and Visitors Bureau or search online for "Pelican Lake resorts" to find current options and rates.