What You'll Find at Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake is a 2,400-acre walleye and northern pike lake in Crow Wing County, roughly 15 miles northeast of Brainerd. The lake runs deep in places—over 80 feet in the main basin—but holds extensive shallow bays and weed lines that hold fish year-round. Most anglers come for walleye, which are abundant and catchable from spring through fall, but pike fishing can be excellent in early season and late summer when the water cools.

The lake's character is split between its developed south end, where most resorts and public access sit, and its quieter northern bays. The bottom is a mix of sand, rock, and muck, with scattered vegetation that thickens in summer. Water clarity varies—usually 4 to 8 feet—which means walleye bite well during low-light hours but also respond to daytime presentations on cloudy days or in deeper water.

Key Takeaways

  • Pelican Lake holds a strong walleye population with fish in the 15- to 20-inch range common; 24-inch fish are caught regularly but not daily.
  • Public access is available at the city boat launch on the south shore, and several resorts offer day-use docking and rental boats.
  • Spring walleye fishing peaks in April and May along the shallow bays and rock points; summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing.
  • Pike fishing is strongest in May and early June, and again in September when cooler water pushes them into shallower feeding zones.
  • The lake is open year-round, and winter fishing for walleye through the ice is a reliable option from December through February.

Spring Walleye: April Through May

Spring is the most forgiving time to fish Pelican Lake for walleye. Fish move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn window. Focus on the bays on the north and east shores, where water warms first and where walleye stage before moving into spawning areas. Rock points and the transitions between shallow bays and deeper water hold fish all day, not just at dawn and dusk.

Live bait—fathead minnows or shiners in the 3- to 4-inch range—works best. Fish them on a simple slip-sinker rig or a jig head, working slowly along the bottom in 6 to 12 feet of water. Crankbaits that mimic shiners, especially in silver or natural patterns, also produce. Work them along the same structure, casting toward shallow water and retrieving into deeper zones. Jigging with live bait is equally effective and often more precise when you're targeting specific rock piles or weed edges.

Summer: Deeper Water and Night Fishing

By mid-June, walleye move deeper as the lake stratifies and surface temperatures climb into the 70s. The main basin and the deeper holes between bays become the primary zones. Fish the 25- to 40-foot range during the day, using live bait on slip-sinker rigs or vertical jigging with soft plastics. Nightcrawlers work well here, as do shiners, but expect to work harder for fewer bites than you did in spring.

Night fishing is often more productive in summer. Fish the shallower bays and weed edges after dark—the same areas that held fish in spring. Walleye move shallow to feed when light fades, and you can cover more water with crankbaits or live bait under a slip bobber. Bring a headlamp with a red-light filter to preserve your night vision and avoid spooking fish. Many anglers fish from 9 p.m. until midnight, then again from 4 a.m. until sunrise.

Pike Fishing in Early Season and Late Summer

Northern pike in Pelican Lake average 24 to 28 inches, with fish over 30 inches caught several times each season. The best pike fishing happens in May, when water temperatures are in the 50s and pike are aggressive and shallow. Fish the weed edges, rock points, and shallow bays with larger baits and lures—6- to 8-inch shiners, large crankbaits, or pike-sized soft plastics.

Early September through October is a second strong window. As water cools, pike move back into the shallows to feed before winter. Fish the same structure as spring, but expect more active feeding and faster presentations. Casting large topwater lures or fast-moving crankbaits can trigger strikes. Avoid mid-summer pike fishing—the heat pushes them deep and inactive, and the walleye bite is better anyway.

Winter Fishing Through the Ice

Pelican Lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and remains fishable through February. Winter walleye fishing is consistent and often easier than open-water summer fishing. Fish the deeper holes and basin edges in 30 to 50 feet of water. Jigging with live minnows—shiners or fatheads—is the standard approach. Drop your jig to the bottom, then work it with small lifts and pauses, watching for the subtle take that signals a walleye bite.

The south shore near the public access and resort areas sees the most ice traffic, but the north end and eastern bays are less crowded and can be equally productive. Check ice thickness before heading out—at least 4 inches for walking, 5 to 6 inches for a snowmobile. Bring a hand auger or power auger to drill holes, and dress for cold; wind across the open lake can be severe.

Access and Facilities

The primary public boat launch is at Pelican Lake City Park on the south shore, accessible from County Road 11. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a small beach area. Several resorts line the south and east shores—including Breezy Point Resort and Whitefish Lodge—and offer day-use docking, boat rentals, and tackle shops. Call ahead if you plan to rent; availability varies by season.

There is no public camping directly on Pelican Lake, but Crow Wing State Park is about 20 minutes south and offers campsites with water and electric hookups. Brainerd, 15 minutes away, has hotels, restaurants, and additional tackle shops. The nearest full-service marina with fuel and repairs is at the public access area during summer months.

Regulations and Seasons

Minnesota's statewide walleye regulations apply: a 15-inch minimum length and a limit of six fish per day. Pike have a 24-inch minimum and a limit of three fish per day. The lake is open year-round for both species. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, especially for pike over 28 inches, which are often repeat spawners and valuable to the fishery.

A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are sold at resorts, tackle shops in Brainerd, and online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. If you plan to fish multiple days, a five-day license is cheaper than daily licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size walleye should I expect to catch?

Most walleye run 15 to 20 inches. Fish in the 22- to 24-inch range are caught regularly, especially in spring and fall. Walleye over 26 inches are less common but do show up. Pike average larger—24 to 28 inches—and are more likely to produce a trophy-sized fish.

Is Pelican Lake good for beginners?

Yes. Spring fishing is forgiving, and live bait on simple rigs works well. The lake is not so large that you'll feel lost, and the resorts can point you toward productive areas. Summer and winter fishing require more technique, but the basics—jigging with live bait—are easy to learn.

Can I fish from shore?

Shore fishing is possible but limited. The public access area has a small beach, and some resorts allow shore fishing for day-use guests. Most productive fishing requires a boat to reach deeper structure and weed edges. Renting a boat for a day is often cheaper than a full resort stay.

What's the best time to visit if I only have one day?

April or May. Spring walleye fishing is most consistent and forgiving, and you don't need to fish at night or in deep water to catch fish. Bring live bait, fish the shallow bays and rock points, and you'll have a solid day.

Do I need a guide?

Not required, but a half-day guide in spring can accelerate your learning and put you on fish faster. Several guides operate out of Brainerd and know Pelican Lake well. Resorts can provide referrals. If you're comfortable reading a map and using a fish finder, you can fish on your own.