Pelican Lake
About Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake is a 3,962-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 17.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pelican Lake
- 3,962 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 12.3 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,962 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 17.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,625 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- 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
- 11
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- March 31, 2016
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Pelican Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pelican Lake
Compare Pelican Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Fish Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids293 acres
1.6 miles away
Little Pelican Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas366 acres
3.5 miles away
Lake Eunice
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon378 acres
3.7 miles away
Tamarac Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids445 acres
3.7 miles away
Maud Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon517 acres
3.9 miles away
Lake Lizzie (North Portion)
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,913 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 3,962 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake covers 3,962 acres with about 17.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pelican Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch 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 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pelican Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pelican Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
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 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Can you camp at Pelican Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
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.