Pelican Lake
About Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake is a 518-acre lake near Long Beach in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 5.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 6, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pelican Lake
- 518 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Long Beach
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.9 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 518 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 422 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 6
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- March 8, 2024
- Latest
- April 27, 2023
- Most recent
- April 6, 2026
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
Lake Minnewaska
74 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Long Beach8,050 acres
1.4 miles away
Lake Ann
49 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Long Beach370 acres
4 miles away
Malmedal Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Lowry199 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Reno
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Forada3,809 acres
7 miles away
Signalness Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Starbuck42 acres
7.8 miles away
Nelson Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace293 acres
8.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Long Beach. It covers 518 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake covers 518 acres with about 5.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pelican Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish 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 1 public boat launch (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 6, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 8, 2024 and the latest is April 27, 2023.
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.