Pelican Lake
About Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake is an 11,546-acre lake near Orr in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 55.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 5 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city, county, and Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 26, based on 36 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pelican Lake
- 11,546 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Orr
- 5 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city, county, and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 11,546 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 55.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 5,879 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
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 26
- Years of record
- 36
- Earliest
- April 2, 2010
- Latest
- May 16, 2013
- Most recent
- May 11, 2022
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
Compare Pelican Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Pelican Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Pelican Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Pelican Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Pelican Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Moose Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr929 acres
5.8 miles away
Bell Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Cusson110 acres
7.4 miles away
Ash Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls690 acres
10.7 miles away
Myrtle Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr876 acres
10.8 miles away
Black Duck Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ash Lake1,250 acres
10.9 miles away
Ban Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr389 acres
11.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Orr. It covers 11,546 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake covers 11,546 acres with about 55.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 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 Rock Bass 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 5 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city, county, and 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pelican Lake?
Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Pelican Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 26, from 36 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2010 and the latest is May 16, 2013.