---
type: lake
name: "Pelican Lake"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Pelican Rapids"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 3962
max_depth_ft: 55
latitude: 46.69925
longitude: -96.02004
lake_score: 72
dnr_lake_id: "56078600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/pelican-lake
---

# Pelican Lake

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids

- **Surface Area**: 3,962 acres
- **Max Depth**: 55 ft
- **Shoreline**: 17.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 12.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 72/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 20
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 19
- **Years of record**: 11
- **Earliest**: 2016-03-31
- **Latest**: 2013-05-13

## Nearby Lakes

- [Fish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/fish-lake-pelican-rapids) - 1.6 miles, 293 acres
- [Little Pelican Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/little-pelican-lake) - 3.5 miles, 366 acres
- [Lake Eunice](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/lake-eunice) - 3.7 miles, 378 acres
- [Tamarac Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/tamarac-lake) - 3.7 miles, 445 acres
- [Maud Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/maud-lake) - 3.9 miles, 517 acres
- [Lake Lizzie (North Portion)](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/lake-lizzie-north-portion) - 3.9 miles, 1,913 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.69925,-96.02004)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56078600)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/pelican-lake)*