Pelican Lake
About Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake is an 8,367-acre lake near Breezy Point in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 104 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 27.8 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Crow Wing County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.6 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, county, and city. OpenStreetMap shows Breezy Point Resort on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pelican Lake
- 8,367 acres, up to 104 feet deep, near Breezy Point
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, county, and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 16.6 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Breezy Point Resort)
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 8,367 acres
- Max depth
- 104 ft
- Shoreline
- 27.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,910 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Breezy Point Resort
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- March 15, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pelican Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Pelican Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point271 acres
2.1 miles away
Markee Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Lake Hubert104 acres
2.3 miles away
Lougee Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Mission212 acres
2.4 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake922 acres
2.9 miles away
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield285 acres
3.4 miles away
Upper Cullen Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point441 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Breezy Point. It covers 8,367 acres and reaches 104 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake covers 8,367 acres with about 27.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 104 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pelican Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pelican Lake?
Yes. Pelican Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, county, and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pelican Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Breezy Point Resort). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Pelican Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pelican Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pelican Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Pelican Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pelican Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.