What You'll Find at Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake is a 2,280-acre glacial lake in Otter Tail County that holds a solid walleye population alongside northern pike and some largemouth bass. The lake sits in the transition zone between the prairie potholes to the west and the deeper glacial lakes to the east, which shapes what you'll catch and when. Walleye are the main draw—they're present year-round and respond well to both live bait and jigs, especially in spring and fall when they move into shallower water.

The lake has a maximum depth around 60 feet, but most of the productive structure sits between 15 and 35 feet. Pelican has a sandy bottom in many areas with scattered rock piles and weed beds that hold fish through the summer. The shoreline is a mix of public access points and private property, so knowing where you can launch matters before you head out.

Key Takeaways

  • Pelican Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with walleye as the primary species for most anglers.
  • The lake reaches 60 feet deep but most productive fishing happens between 15 and 35 feet over sand and scattered rock.
  • Public access is available at the Pelican Lake Recreation Area on the north shore, which has a boat launch and parking.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing is strongest when fish move into shallower water; summer requires deeper presentations and live bait.
  • Pike fishing improves in late summer and fall when larger fish move toward shallower weed edges before winter.

Public Access and Launch Points

The Pelican Lake Recreation Area, managed by Otter Tail County, sits on the north shore and is the main public access point. The facility has a concrete boat launch, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small picnic area. There is a launch fee, though the amount varies by year—contact the Otter Tail County Parks Department to confirm the current rate before you go.

The recreation area is open year-round, which means you can launch for both open-water and ice fishing. In winter, many anglers fish from the ice directly near the launch area or move out to deeper structure. The parking lot can fill on weekends during peak season, so arriving early in the morning gives you a better chance at a spot.

Spring Walleye Fishing (April Through May)

Spring is one of the best times to fish Pelican Lake for walleye. As the water warms from the 40s into the low 50s, walleye move out of the deepest basins and stage along the breaks between shallow and deep water. Focus on the 12- to 20-foot zone where sand transitions to deeper structure. Live shiners or fatheads under a slip bobber work well, as do jigs tipped with minnows worked slowly along these edges.

Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent bites in spring. The north and east shores tend to warm first, so those areas often hold fish earlier in the season than the western side. If you're fishing from the Pelican Lake Recreation Area launch, you're already positioned well to reach the productive north-shore structure.

Summer Fishing and Deeper Structure

By mid-June, walleye retreat to deeper water and become harder to find. The thermocline forms in the 30- to 40-foot range, and walleye often suspend just above it or hold tight to structure in that zone. Live bait presentations—shiners or crawlers on a jig, or live bait rigs with slip sinkers—outperform artificials during the heat of summer. Night fishing under lights also produces, though it requires more equipment and planning.

Pike fishing improves as summer progresses. Larger pike move toward the weed edges in 15 to 25 feet of water, especially on the south and west sides of the lake where weed growth is thicker. Casting large swimbaits or topwater lures early and late in the day can produce explosive strikes. Many anglers targeting pike in summer focus on dawn and dusk rather than midday.

Fall Transition and Pike Season (September Through October)

Fall is when Pelican Lake comes alive for both walleye and pike. As water temperature drops, walleye move back into shallower water and feed aggressively. The 15- to 25-foot zone becomes productive again, and you can catch fish on jigs, live bait, and even crankbaits. Pike also move shallow in fall, and the combination of aggressive walleye and hungry pike makes September and October excellent months to visit.

Weed beds that were too thick to fish in summer thin out as the season progresses, opening up new areas to explore. The shoreline structure on the north and east sides of the lake holds fish throughout the fall, and the Pelican Lake Recreation Area launch puts you in position to reach these areas quickly.

Winter Ice Fishing

Pelican Lake freezes reliably by late December and stays fishable through February. Walleye and pike both hold in the deeper basins and along structure in 25 to 45 feet of water. Jigging with live minnows is the standard approach—small spoons tipped with minnow heads also work. Many anglers set tip-ups for pike while jigging for walleye, which lets you cover more water and species at once.

The ice near the Pelican Lake Recreation Area launch is accessible, though you'll need to walk out from shore or drill holes from the parking area. Check ice thickness before heading out, and never assume ice is safe without recent local reports. The Otter Tail County Parks Department or local bait shops can tell you current conditions.

What to Bring and Local Regulations

Minnesota fishing regulations apply to Pelican Lake. You'll need a valid Minnesota fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or at any local bait and tackle shop. Walleye have a daily limit and size restrictions that vary by year, so check the current regulations before you fish.

Bring a depth finder if you have one—it cuts the learning curve on a new lake significantly. A good map of the lake showing contours and structure is also valuable. Local bait shops near Otter Tail carry maps and can offer current fishing reports. Live bait is available at shops in the area, though bringing your own shiners or fatheads from home is also common practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the most productive seasons. Walleye move into shallower water and feed actively during these transitions. Summer requires deeper presentations and more patience, while winter ice fishing is solid for anglers with the right equipment.

Do I need a boat to fish Pelican Lake?

A boat gives you access to more structure and deeper water, but shore fishing is possible from the Pelican Lake Recreation Area and other public spots. Many anglers catch walleye and pike from shore, especially in spring and fall when fish move shallower.

What size walleye and pike can I expect?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some fish reaching the low 20s. Pike average 18 to 24 inches, and larger fish in the 28- to 36-inch range are caught regularly, especially in fall. The lake supports a healthy population of both species.

Is there a launch fee at Pelican Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, there is a daily launch fee managed by Otter Tail County. The amount varies by year. Contact the Otter Tail County Parks Department or check their website before your trip to confirm the current rate and any seasonal changes.

Can I fish Pelican Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is popular and productive. The lake typically freezes by late December. Always check current ice thickness and conditions with local sources before heading out, as safety depends on recent weather and ice reports.