What the Pelican River offers anglers

The Pelican River is a medium-sized warmwater system that flows through Oneida County near Rhinelander, offering solid walleye and northern pike fishing across roughly 20 miles of navigable water. Unlike the deeper, colder lakes that dominate the Rhinelander area, the Pelican runs shallower and slower, with a character more like a large creek than a river—it winds through lowland forest, picks up current only after heavy rain, and holds fish in predictable spots rather than scattered throughout. The river system includes several impoundments and backwater areas that concentrate walleye in spring and fall, and pike year-round.

Access is straightforward. The main public landing is at Pelican River Park near the town of Pelican, where you can launch a small to medium boat or canoe. The river is also fishable from shore at several bridge crossings and along county roads, making it accessible even if you don't have a boat. Water levels vary with snowmelt and rainfall, so spring and early summer can bring higher flows that change where fish hold.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when fish move into shallower areas and are most active.
  • Northern pike are present year-round and respond well to larger baits and lures, especially in backwater areas and near submerged wood.
  • The Pelican River is shallower and slower than nearby lakes, so fish concentrate in specific current breaks, outside bends, and deeper holes rather than spreading across open water.
  • Public access is available at Pelican River Park and several bridge crossings, making the river fishable by boat, canoe, or from shore.
  • Summer fishing is slower because walleye move deeper and disperse, but early morning and evening hours can still produce, especially near current.

Spring walleye fishing: April through May

Spring is the strongest season for walleye on the Pelican. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move out of their winter holes and into shallower areas to feed before spawning. On the Pelican, this means targeting the outside bends of the river where current scours deeper pockets, and the mouths of backwater areas where fish stage before moving upstream.

Live bait—shiners, chubs, or crawfish—works best during this period. Fish the deeper edges of current breaks with a simple slip sinker rig, letting the bait drift naturally. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though overcast days often produce throughout the day. Water levels are typically higher in spring due to snowmelt, which can push fish into flooded timber and brush along the banks—don't ignore shallow, woody areas that would be too exposed later in the year.

Jigs tipped with live bait also work well if you prefer active fishing. A quarter-ounce to half-ounce jig in white or chartreuse, tipped with a shiner, can be worked slowly along the bottom in 6 to 12 feet of water. The key is patience: walleye in spring are feeding but not aggressive, so a slow presentation outperforms faster retrieves.

Summer: Slower fishing and midday lulls

From June through August, walleye fishing on the Pelican becomes more challenging. Water temperatures climb into the 70s, and fish move deeper and more dispersed. The shallower character of the river means there's less deep water to retreat to compared to nearby lakes, so summer walleye often move into the deepest holes available—typically 15 to 20 feet in the main channel—or suspend in current breaks during the day.

Early morning and evening remain the most reliable times. Fish the deeper holes and current breaks with live bait or small jigs during these windows. Midday fishing is slow, but if you must fish during daylight, focus on areas with heavy shade—deep bends with overhanging trees, or the darkest backwater areas. Northern pike, by contrast, remain active throughout summer and can provide consistent action when walleye are sluggish.

Fall fishing: September through October

Fall is the second-best season for walleye on the Pelican. As water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, walleye become active again and move back into shallower feeding areas. The pattern mirrors spring: focus on outside bends, current breaks, and backwater mouths. Fish are feeding heavily in preparation for winter, so they're less cautious than in summer.

Live bait remains the most consistent choice, but fall is also when crankbaits and spinners can produce. A shallow-diving crankbait worked along the edges of current breaks, or a spinner rig drifted through deeper holes, can draw strikes from aggressive fish. The bite typically lasts from early morning through mid-morning, then again in the evening—the midday lull is less pronounced than in summer, but still present.

Northern pike: Year-round opportunity

Pike are present throughout the Pelican River and offer consistent action when walleye are slow. They prefer larger baits and lures and are less selective than walleye, making them a good target for anglers who want more frequent strikes. Backwater areas with submerged wood and vegetation are prime pike habitat, especially in spring and early summer when pike move shallow to spawn.

Live bait—larger shiners, chubs, or small bluegill—works well for pike. Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, and fish the edges of weeds and wood. Lure fishing is also productive: large spinners, spoons, and shallow-diving crankbaits all draw pike strikes. Pike fishing is often best in the same early morning and evening windows as walleye, but pike will bite throughout the day more readily than walleye will in summer.

Understanding the Pelican's current and structure

The Pelican River's defining feature is its slow, meandering flow. Unlike faster rivers where current is obvious and fish stack in predictable spots, the Pelican's current is subtle—it's most noticeable after rain or during spring snowmelt. This means fish location depends more on depth, wood, and the slight current breaks created by bends and submerged obstacles than on strong current alone.

Outside bends—where the river curves and the outer bank is deeper—are the most reliable fish-holding spots. The slight current scours these areas deeper and concentrates food. Inside bends are typically shallower and less productive. Submerged logs, root wads, and fallen trees create additional current breaks and shelter, especially in backwater areas. Learning to read these subtle features is the key to consistent fishing on the Pelican.

Water clarity varies seasonally. Spring snowmelt can turn the river brown, which actually improves walleye fishing because fish rely more on vibration and smell than sight. By summer, the water often clears to a light brown or tea color, which can make walleye more cautious—lighter-colored baits and lures often work better in clear water.

Regulations and practical considerations

Wisconsin's statewide walleye and pike regulations apply to the Pelican River. Walleye have a minimum size of 15 inches and a daily limit of five fish. Northern pike have a minimum size of 24 inches and a daily limit of one fish. These regulations can change, so check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing guide before you go.

The river is open to public fishing year-round, though ice-out typically occurs in mid-April. Winter fishing is possible but challenging due to ice and limited access. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. The Pelican River is also open to spearing during the winter spearing season (typically December through February), which can affect fish behavior and availability during that period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish the Pelican River?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through sunset) are most productive for walleye. Pike will bite throughout the day but are also more active during these low-light windows. Summer midday fishing is slow for both species.

Do I need a boat to fish the Pelican River?

No. The river is accessible from shore at Pelican River Park and at several bridge crossings along county roads. A canoe or small boat gives you more water to cover, but shore fishing can be productive, especially in spring and fall when fish move shallow.

What's the difference between fishing the Pelican River and the lakes near Rhinelander?

The Pelican is shallower and slower than nearby lakes, so fish concentrate in specific current breaks and deeper holes rather than spreading across open water. This makes the river more predictable but also means fewer total fish. The river also warms faster in summer, pushing walleye deeper sooner.

Can I fish the Pelican in winter?

Yes, but access is limited by ice and snow. The river is open to ice fishing and spearing during the winter season. Check current conditions and regulations before attempting winter fishing, as ice thickness and safety vary year to year.

What size lures and baits work best on the Pelican?

For walleye, use small to medium baits (4- to 6-inch shiners or chubs) and quarter-ounce to half-ounce jigs. For pike, use larger baits (6- to 8-inch chubs or shiners) and larger lures. The Pelican's slower current means fish aren't as aggressive as in faster water, so slightly smaller presentations often outperform oversized baits.